Africa’s security challenges are complex and changing. Traditional security threats such as interstate conflict are now joined by an emerging array of complex issues such as organized crime, maritime piracy, competition for scare resources, and large-scale displacement to threaten Africa’s stability and Africans’ safety. And just as Africa’s security threats evolve, state capacities to address them differ across the continent. This interaction of unfamiliar security threats with varying governance inadequacies yields strategic challenges that demand wide-angle assessment.
For additional reading go to: Peacekeeping
U.S. Security Engagement in Africa
A significant development in Africa over the past decade has been the generalized lessening of violent conflict. Revitalized peacekeeping, bolstered by deeping African Union determination, has reinforced this trend. Much more cohesive U.S. interagency coordination with White House leadership is required to contribute to sustained stability given the persistence of Africa's poverty, inequality, and weak governance. [PDF]Security and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa - Looking to the Future
Security and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa - Looking to the Future.By Moeletsi Mbeki. Speech delivered at Commander's Speaker Program at the U.S. Africa Command, January 2010.
Africa’s intra-state conflicts and their cross-border consequences continue to hobble development of social anchors that are critical to state stability. These social and development hurdles are hindering Africa's ability to establish secure, democratic, and economically prosperous states. At bottom, "the challenge facing Sub-Saharan Africa is not State building as many analysts believe. The immediate challenge most of Africa faces is society building." more
