**Over the last 12 months there have been no shortages of conflicts, coups, multi-billion investments, agreements with Russia or China, and the engagement of NATO states in Africa and the mediate East. Competition for influence and regional disputes took on a wider dimension, and the eyes of the planet turned towards countries that are frequently overlooked in the debate. Below was a review of events that were crucial for Africa and the mediate East. More than 20 experts shared their opinions.**