East Africa Archive
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![The African Union celebrating its 20th anniversary the same year as breakthroughs for Africa's politics, economy, and climate change fight](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/politics-africa-economy-climate-change-conflict-01062023-1.jpg?w=519&h=259&crop=1)
It makes sense that a continent that is home to 54 countries and 1.2 billion people would also house many contradictory developments. Africa features several of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a burgeoning middle class. But much of the continent remains mired in debt, burdened by conflict and beset by elites clinging to power.
![Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/somalia-war-sheikh-politics-12012023-1.jpg?w=519&h=259&crop=1)
After a brief period of high expectations and progress following last year’s presidential election, Somalia continues to face familiar obstacles. President Hassan Sheikh’s government urgently needs to develop long-term policies and set realistic objectives. But consumed by the stalled war against Al-Shabaab, it has struggled to do so.