My recent work examines the political and security dynamics shaping East Africa, with particular attention to governance, conflict, youth participation, elections and democratic change. Bringing together field-based research and policy analysis, these publications explore both the structural drivers of regional instability and the experiences of the people navigating rapidly changing political environments.
Tanzania 2025: Elections, Political Communication and State Violence
Co-authored with Marie-Aude Fouéré, this multilingual research series documents and interprets Tanzania’s contentious 2025 election and its aftermath. Published in English, Kiswahili and French, the series examines key political moments and representations, including Tundu Lissu’s “No Reforms, No Election” campaign, Gado’s political cartooning, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s inauguration address, Kenyan newspaper coverage and the use of maendeleo in Zanzibar’s election campaigning. Through close analysis of speeches, images, media narratives and campaign materials, the series traces Tanzania’s changing political climate and the intensification of state repression surrounding the election.
Role: Co-author with Marie-Aude Fouéré
Published by: Mambo!, the research blog of IFRA-Nairobi
Explore the Tanzania 2025 Elections series
Peace, Security and Governance in East Africa, 2023–2025
This monograph examines the evolving peace, security and governance landscape in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia between 2023 and 2025. Drawing on primary fieldwork and secondary research, I analyse how governance deficits, socioeconomic exclusion, environmental pressures and security threats interact to produce instability across the region. While identifying shared regional patterns, the study also pays close attention to the distinct historical, political and institutional drivers of conflict within each country. The monograph reflects my broader research interest in East African security, democratic governance and the relationship between domestic politics and regional stability.
Role: Author
Published by: Institute for Security Studies
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Youth Engagement in Governance, Peace and Security in East Africa
With more than 70% of East Africa’s population under the age of 35, young people are central to the region’s political and developmental future. In this policy brief, I examine the persistent structural, social and institutional barriers that prevent young people from participating meaningfully in governance, peacebuilding and security processes. The brief argues that treating youth merely as beneficiaries—or primarily as a security concern—overlooks their agency as political actors, community leaders and peacebuilders. It offers policy-oriented insights into how governments and regional institutions can create more inclusive and consequential opportunities for youth participation.
Role: Author
Published by: Institute for Security Studies
Read the policy brief