Unfortunately, I do not have any tips regarding your program of interest. My interests lie in the area of Development and MSU's program is one of the few in African Studies which I felt might be capable of properly supervising me. Most of my applications, consequently, we're to IR/Dev. Programs. The only advice I would offer is simply to look at MSU's overall strength in literature and ensure that it's a good fit for you. You'll be a part of AAAS, but as the program is interdisciplinary, I imagine that you'll end up relying on faculty from other departments quite a bit as well.
Nonetheless, MSU's AAAS faculty has such breadth that I would imagine you'd be easily able to locate more than one person interested in your research.
I've spoken with a few people associated with the program, but I found Dr. Edozie (the Program Chair) to be extremely responsive. Just email her, indicating your interest, and try to schedule time to speak with her. She really sells the program. I believe that she's on sabbatical this semester, so it may take her time to reply.
I'm sorry, I don't know anything about the Sankofa other than the fact that it exists at this point. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Good luck with your other applications.