Middle East / Africa
Iran-Azerbaijan relations will improve
A series of official meetings and de-escalatory statements by both sides have occurred since late June
IranNiger will look to Western partners to boost security
President Mohamed Bazoum has secured significant aid from a range of Western partners as part of his security strategy
NigerEgypt will try to strengthen its position in Libya
Saddam Haftar, son of eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, is consolidating his position to Egypt's detriment
LibyaPeace foray exposes South Africa’s diplomatic deficit
A recent South African-led peace initiative to Russia and Ukraine was marred by a series of blunders
South AfricaSudan’s war-hit economy will contract and maladapt
The violence, which is widening despite mediation efforts, has halted already moribund economic activity
SudanSportswashing by Gulf states will evolve further
Gulf states are actively and directly investing in international sports, leading to accusations of sportswashing
Gulf statesHigher rates will have a mixed impact on gold markets
Having reached an all-time high in May, the gold price faces mixed prospects while higher interest rates remain in place
InternationalSouth Africa polls will fuel coalition questions
As the ANC's support crumbles, there are fears the 2024 polls may produce no clear winner and no clear coalition option
South Africa
