Research Associate
As a research associate at the Africa Center, Paul Nantulya researches and prepares written analysis on contemporary Africa security issues. His areas of expertise include Chinese foreign policy, China/Africa relations, African partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, mediation and peace processes, the Great Lakes region, and East and Southern Africa.
Prior to joining the Africa Center, Mr. Nantulya served as a regional technical advisor on South Sudan for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) from 2009 to 2011, where he supported crisis mitigation for the Government of South Sudan including writing policy analyses for the Ministry of Peace and Comprehensive Peace Agreement Implementation. In this role he worked closely with South Sudan’s external partners, particularly Japan’s International Cooperation Agency, on conflict prevention.
In 2005-09, Mr. Nantulya was CRS/Sudan’s governance manager in Juba. In this capacity he coordinated technical assistance for the Office of the President on establishing functional systems of state and local government. Mr. Nantulya previously worked for the South Africa-based Africa Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), coordinating ACCORD’s participation in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the preeminent forum for Japan/Africa relations. He also worked on civilian and military peacekeeping in the Southern African Development Community. Additionally, he was part of the ACCORD team that worked with President Nelson Mandela on the Arusha Peace Process on Burundi (1999-2001), President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy President Jacob Zuma on ceasefire talks (2001-03), President Ketumile Masire on the Inter-Congolese Dialogue (2002), and Dr. Nicholas Haysom on the Sudan peace process (2002-03).
Mr. Nantulya holds a B.A. in international relations from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Graduate Certificate in Japanese from the Japan Africa Interchange Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, and an M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.
Areas of Expertise
Governance, mediation, peace processes, peacekeeping, East Africa
Spotlight
Reimagining African Agency in Africa-China Relations—Lessons from FOCAC 2024
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, October 7, 2024
Spotlight
Why the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Matters
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, July 8, 2024
Spotlight
South Africa’s Seismic Political Shift
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, June 7, 2024
Spotlight
Understanding the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Push for MONUSCO’s Departure
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, May 20, 2024
Spotlight
China’s Strategy to Shape Africa’s Media Space
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, April 16, 2024
Spotlight
Regime Capture of the Courts in Africa
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, February 27, 2024
Spotlight
Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Persistent Crisis of Legitimacy
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, January 2, 2024
Spotlight
Africa-India Cooperation Sets Benchmark for Partnership
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, December 12, 2023
Spotlight
China’s First Political School in Africa
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, November 7, 2023
Spotlight
China’s “Military Political Work” and Professional Military Education in Africa
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, October 30, 2023
Spotlight
SADC Attempts to Navigate Zimbabwe’s Disputed Election
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, October 11, 2023
Spotlight
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Long Quest for Democracy Faces Another Test
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, September 29, 2023
Spotlight
China’s United Front Strategy in Africa
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, September 5, 2023
Spotlight
Africa’s Interests in Strengthening the United Nations System
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, August 14, 2023
Special Report
Chinese Professional Military Education for Africa: Key Influence and Strategy
US Institute of Peace, July 5, 2023
Spotlight
Lessons from South Africa for Holding Leaders Accountable
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, April 18, 2023
Spotlight
The Persistence of Cults of Personality in African Governance
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, March 14, 2023
Spotlight
Africa’s Role in China’s Multilateralism Strategy
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, January 24, 2023
Spotlight
China’s Deepening Ties to Africa in Xi Jinping’s Third Term
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, November 29, 2022
Spotlight
China’s Diplomacy in the Horn—Conflict Mediation as Power Politics
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, October 12, 2022
Book Chapter
“‘Only with Deep Roots Can a Tree Yield Rich Fruit’: The People’s Liberation Army in Africa” in Enabling a More Externally Focused and Operational PLA
United States Army War College Press, 2022
Spotlight
Rwanda and the DRC at Risk of War as New M23 Rebellion Emerges: An Explainer
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, June 29, 2022
Spotlight
Considerations for a Prospective New Chinese Naval Base in Africa
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, May 12, 2022
Spotlight
The African Union at 20: Much Accomplished, More Challenges Ahead
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, February 22, 2022
Spotlight
Guānxì: Power, Networking, and Influence in China-Africa Relations
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, December 7, 2021
Spotlight
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation at 21: Where to Next?
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, September 3, 2021
Commentary
China’s Blended Approach to Security in Africa
Italian Institute for International Political Studies, July 29, 2021
Spotlight
Chinese Security Firms Spread along the African Belt and Road
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, June 15, 2021
Spotlight
Reshaping African Agency in China-Africa Relations
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, March 2, 2021
Article
Chinese Security Contractors in Africa
Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy, October 8, 2020
Spotlight
China Promotes Its Party-Army Model in Africa
La Chine promeut son modèle Parti-armée en AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, July 28, 2020
Spotlight
Post-Nkurunziza Burundi: The Rise of the Generals
Le Burundi après Nkurunziza : les généraux en ordre de marcheAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, June 22, 2020
Book Chapter
“China in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges, and Options” in China’s Global Influence: Perspectives and Recommendations, Scott D. McDonald and Michael C. Burgoyne, eds.
Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, September 2019
Spotlight
Burundi, the Forgotten Crisis, Still Burns
Le Burundi, la crise oubliée, brûle toujoursAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, September 24, 2019
Spotlight
Escalating Tensions between Uganda and Rwanda Raise Fear of War
L’escalade des tensions entre l’Ouganda et le Rwanda suscite la crainte d’une guerreAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, July 3, 2019
Spotlight
The Challenging Path to Reform in South Africa
La voie difficile de la réforme en Afrique du SudAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, June 11, 2019
Spotlight
High Stakes in South Africa’s Elections
Les enjeux cruciaux des élections en Afrique du SudAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, May 3, 2019
Spotlight
The African Union Wavers between Reform and More of the Same
Entre réformer ou poursuivre sur la même lancée, l’Union africaine hésiteAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, April 29, 2019
Spotlight
Implications for Africa from China’s One Belt One Road Strategy
Les enjeux du projet chinois « Une ceinture, une route » pour l’AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, March 22, 2019
Spotlight
The Ever-Adaptive Allied Democratic Forces Insurgency
La nature évolutive des Forces démocratiques alliéesAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, February 8, 2019
Spotlight
Chinese Hard Power Supports Its Growing Strategic Interests in Africa
Les activités stratégiques croissantes de la Chine en Afrique reposent sur le hard power chinoisAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, January 17, 2019
Spotlight
Stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo beyond the Elections
La stabilité en République démocratique du Congo après les électionsAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, November 28, 2018
Spotlight
Grand Strategy and China’s Soft Power Push in Africa
La Grande stratégie et la montée en puissance du pouvoir d’influence de la Chine en AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, August 30, 2018
Spotlight
After Burundi’s Referendum, a Drive to Dismantle the Arusha Accords
Réforme et renouveau ou toujours la même rengaine au ZimbabweAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, July 20, 2018
Spotlight
Reform and Renewal in Zimbabwe or More of the Same?
Réforme et renouveau ou toujours la même rengaine au ZimbabweAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, June 28, 2018
Spotlight
When Peace Agreements Fail: Lessons from Lesotho, Burundi, and DRC
Quand les accords de paix échouent : les leçons du Lesotho, du Burundi et de la RDCAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, April 30, 2018
Spotlight
South Africa’s Strategic Priorities for Reform and Renewal
Priorités stratégiques de l’Afrique du Sud pour la réforme et le renouveauAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, February 17, 2018
Spotlight
The Troubled Democratic Transitions of African Liberation Movements
Les transitions démocratiques tourmentées des mouvements de libération africainsAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, December 14, 2017
Spotlight
Solidarity in Peace and Security: The Nordic-African Partnership
La solidarité en matière de paix et de sécurité: Le partenariat entre les pays nordiques et l’AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, November 29, 2017
Spotlight
A Medley of Armed Groups Play on Congo’s Crisis
Une mosaïque de groupes armés tire parti des effets de la crise au CongoAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, September 25, 2017
Spotlight
The Costs of Regional Paralysis in the Face of the Crisis in Burundi
Les coûts de l’inaction régionale face à la crise au BurundiAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, August 24, 2017
Spotlight
South Africa’s Democracy Is Put to the Test
La démocratie d’Afrique du Sud est mise à l’épreuveAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, May 23, 2017
Spotlight
Wisdom from Africa on Ethical Leadership
La sagesse de l’Afrique sur le leadership éthiqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, May 9, 2017
Spotlight
Pursuing the China Dream through Africa: Five Elements of China’s Africa Strategy
La poursuite du rêve chinois à travers l’Afrique : cinq éléments de la stratégie sur l’Afrique de la ChineAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, April 6, 2017
Spotlight
Lessons from Gambia on Effective Regional Security Cooperation
Les leçons de la Gambie sur l’efficacité de la coopération en matière de sécurité régionaleAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, March 27, 2017
Spotlight
What’s Next for Africa and the International Criminal Court?
Quelle est la prochaine étape pour l’Afrique et la Cour pénale internationale ?Africa Center for Strategic Studies, February 28, 2017
Article
Emerging Patterns of Intra-African Security Assistance
Tendances émergentes de l’assistance en matière de sécurité intra-africaineAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, December 7, 2016
Article
When Ethics Avert a Crisis: Two Cases from Africa
Quand l’éthique évite une crise: deux exemples en AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, October 26, 2016
Article
Resource Mismanagement a Threat to Security in Africa
Mauvaise gestion des ressources, une menace pour la sécurité en AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, September 7, 2016
Article
Getting to the Root of the South Sudan Crisis
Remonter à la racine de la crise du Soudan du SudAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, August 1, 2016
Article
Different Recipes, One Dish: Evading Term Limits in Africa
Différentes recettes, un seul plat : éluder la limitation de la durée des mandats en AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, July 28, 2016
Article
The African Union’s Panel of the Wise and Conflict Prevention
Le Groupe des Sages de l’Union africaine et la prévention des conflitsAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, June 8, 2016
Article
More Than a Technocratic Exercise: National Security Strategy Development in Africa
Plus qu’un exercice technocratique : élaboration d’une stratégie de sécurité nationale en AfriqueAfrica Center for Strategic Studies, May 31, 2016
Article
‘Nkurunziza Gives Us Two Choices: Death or Suicide’—Burundians Losing Faith in International Effort
Mail and Guardian, March 26, 2016
Article
Mail and Guardian, February 26, 2016
Article
The South Sudan Crisis in Perspective: A Primer for the U.S. Intelligence Community
Africa Research Initiative, August 2014
Article
Beyond Westgate: Towards a Comprehensive and Conflict Responsive Counterterrorism Strategy
Conflict Trends, Issue 4, 2013
Article
Developing African Leaders: Uganda’s Unique Education System
Conflict Trends, Issue 4, 2006
Article
African Nation-Building and Reconciliation: Lessons from Rwanda
Conflict Trends, Issue 1, 2006
Book
Building Nations: Transitional Justice in the African Great Lakes Region: Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, 2005
Book Chapter
“Evolution of African Parliamentary Practice from Post-Colonial to Post-Cold War Eras” in The State of Readiness of African Parliaments on the Eve of the Pan-African Parliament, by Korwa Adar and Ntabiseng Nkosi
Africa Institute of South Africa, 2004
Briefing Paper
Sudan: Causes of Conflict, and the Peace Process
Center for International Political Studies, No. 55, 2004
Article
Sudan: The Challenge of Darfur
Conflict Trends, Issue 3, 2004
Book Chapter
“South African NGOs: New Actors and Instruments in South African Foreign Policy” in South African Yearbook of International Affairs, 2003/04 Edition, published by the South African Institute for International Affairs
By Paul Nantulya
Book Chapter
“Assessing the Effectiveness of African Conflict Prevention: The Case of Sudan” in Towards Sustainable Peace: Reflections on Preventive Diplomacy in Africa, Hussein Solomon (ed.)
Africa Institute of South Africa, 2003
Article
The Machakos Protocol and Prospects for Peace in Sudan
Conflict Trends, Issue 4, 2003
Book
Constitutions, Constitutionalism and Conflict Management in Africa
African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, 2001
Book Chapter
“Exclusion, Identity and Armed Conflict: A Historical Survey of the Politics of Confrontation in Uganda with Specific Reference to the Independence Era,” in Politics of Identity and Exclusion in Africa: From Violent Confrontation to Peaceful Cooperation, published by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and Universiteit Van Pretoria
2001
Foreign Policy Research Institute, March 18, 2024
China’s Belt and Road Initiative at Year Six
United States Institute of Peace, April 25, 2019
Peacebuilding in Sudan: An Informal Conversation with Paul Nantulya
Villanova University, September 26, 2008
Peacebuilding Curriculum Workshop
Villanova University, September 26, 2008
China’s Strategy to Shape Africa’s Media Space
China Global South Project, April 25, 2024
Podcast
A Call for African & Latin American Countries to Share Notes on Dealings With China
China Global South Project, March 8, 2024
China’s Past and Present Ties with African Ruling Parties
Voice of America, November 22, 2023
China’s United Front Media Campaign Shows Little Impact on Public Opinion
Africa Defense Forum, October 10, 2023
The China–Africa Peace and Security Forum: Practical Outcomes or Same Old Rhetoric?
IDSA, September 6, 2023
Voice of America, Studio 54, August 25, 2023
Putin, Xi, Slam West at BRICS Summit
Voice of America, August 23, 2023
China’s Xi Receives Warm Welcome on South Africa State Visit
Voice of America, August 22, 2023
Spotlight on Xi at BRICS Summit
BBC Focus on Africa, August 22, 2023
BRICS, South Africa, and Xi: A New Alignment of Old Ties Anew?
Italy Insight, August 22, 2023
CNN, August 21, 2023
Chinese Weapons Supplier NORINCO Expands Influence in West Africa, Challenging France, Russia
South China Morning Post, August 21, 2023
China’s Military Influence in Africa Grows
The Observer, August 5, 2023
How China Shaped Uganda’s Generals
The Independent, July 15, 2023
Bases, Training, and Weapon Sales: Latest Trends in China-Africa Military Ties
China Global South Project, July 11, 2023
Can Instability from the Russia-Wagner Fallout Affect Africa?
VOA Africa 54, June 30, 2023
Why China Gives Africa’s Leaders the Red-Carpet Treatment–and a Chance to Ask for Favors
South China Morning Post, June 29, 2023
Mutiny in Moscow: Implications for Wagner in Africa
VOA Straight Talk Africa, June 28, 2023
South China Morning Post, June 9, 2023
Chinese Training For Foreign Police Raises Human Rights Concerns
African Defense Forum, June 6, 2023
Whether DRC-China Mining Deal Will Be Restructured Remains Uncertain
Voice of America, June 1, 2023
How China is Expanding its Law Enforcement Activities in Africa
South China Morning Post, May 30, 2023
How Chinese Private Security Companies in Africa Differ From Russia’s
VOA South Africa, May 30, 2023
Why China May Be Reluctant to Get Too Deeply Involved in Sudan Peace Efforts
SCMP, May 7, 2023
Evacuation from Sudan: How China’s Years of African Conflict Experience Led to Successful Mission
SCMP, April 28, 2023
Center for Naval Analysis, May 2, 2023
China Evacuates its Citizens Out of Sudan
The China Project, April 27, 2023
Why China Is Building Africa’s New Parliaments
Voice of America, April 19, 2023
Can Peace Be Achieved with M23 Rebels in the DRC?
Peace News, April 3, 2023
How Chinese Private Security Companies in Africa Differ From Russia’s
Voice of America, March 31, 2023
The High Risks of Chinese Players’ High-Reward Stakes in African Mining
SCMP, March 29, 2023
How Do Attacks on Chinese Workers Affect Business in the CAR?
BBC, March 24, 2023
US Vice President to Make Historic Africa Trip
Voice of America, March 24, 2023
Russia Sanctions a Boon for Chinese Arms Sales to Africa?
Voice of America, March 17, 2023
Africa Pays the Price as China and Russia Muscle In
AFP, March 15, 2023
The Hindu, March 15, 2023
China Gives Support to Africa Push for Seat at G20, UN Security Council
SCMP, January 28, 2023
New Chinese Foreign Minister Consolidates Friendship During Africa Trip
Voice of America, January 20, 2023
Africans Seeks Partnerships at World Economic Forum
Voice of America, January 19, 2023
The West, Debt and Other Takeaways From Chinese Foreign Minister’s Africa Trip
Voice of America, January 18, 2023
SCMP, January 16, 2023
Africa Shouldn’t be Superpower Struggle – Beijing
Reuters, January 11, 2023
China Global South Project, January 9, 2023
Why do Some African Governments Want to Work with Russia’s Wagner Group?
The Hundred, December 15, 2022
El Economista, December 10, 2022
China Paving ‘Health Silk Road’ in Africa
Voice of America, October 7, 2022
As African Countries Pivot, China Seizes Chance to Become a Major Military player
South China Morning Post, September 20, 2022
Takeaways from Kenya’s Election
Nightline Africa, Voice of America, September 11, 2022
Explainer: What’s Behind the Rising Conflict in Eastern DRC?
Voice of America, July 22, 2022
Chinese Basing Considerations in Africa
Nightline Africa, Voice of America, May 22, 2022
Pentagon Warns China About ‘Miscalculation’ Over Actions in Japanese Waters
Newsweek, February 24, 2021
Chinese Soft Power in Africa in the COVID-19 Era
The China in Africa Podcast, August 21, 2020
Influence and Interest: China’s Footprint in Africa
VOA Our Voices, Voice of America, February 21, 2020
The Transition in Sudan [18:18]
Africa News Tonight, Voice of America, September 17, 2019
The Dawn of a New Era In Sudan
Straight Talk Africa, Voice of America, April 17, 2019
Africa News Tonight [7:34]
Voice of America, April 17, 2019
Sudan Politics with Paul Nantulya
TV2Africa, Voice of America, April 16, 2019
Interview
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Africa
The Habari Network, April 11, 2019
China in Bid to Extend Africa Trade Success into Military Sphere
Daily Nation, January 27, 2019
DefenceWeb, October 3, 3018
Deepening Military Ties Solidify China’s Ambitions in Africa
Voice of America, July 15, 2018
Video: Perspectives on the Developments in South Africa
Africa 54, Voice of America, February 28, 2018
Video: South Africa’s Political Drama
Africa 54, Voice of America, February 14, 2018
ANC Chief Trying to Edge Out South Africa’s Zuma
Voice of America, January 16, 2018
The Rise of a Peacemaking Capital in Africa
OZY, May 16, 2016
How a City in Tanzania Holds the Key to Peace in Burundi
Le clé de la paix au Burundi est en TanzanieIRIN News, January 13, 2016
Building Peace in Africa’s Newest Nation
United Methodist Women News, March 31, 2011
Interview: Church, Government Summit Plans for Peace in Sudan
Catholic Relief Services, November 22, 2010
Border Region of Abyei Complicates South Sudan Independence Vote
Catholic News Service, December 10, 2008
CRS Representative Discusses Sudan
The Villanovan, October 14, 2008
Garang Loss a Blow for Uganda Peace Hopes?
Institute for War and Peace Reporting, November 17, 2005
Zim’s New Homeless Live “Worse Than Animals”
Mail and Guardian, July 18, 2005
Africa to World: We Can Handle War Justice Ourselves
Christian Science Monitor, March 18, 2005