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Since the inauguration of Adama Barrow after 22 years of authoritarian rule, Gambia's democratic reforms have benefited from political will, national ownership, and international backing. However, the country's dark legacy continues to pose risks to the process.
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Assistant Research Fellow. Areas of Expertise: National Security Strategy Development, Security Sector Governance, Military Professionalism.
Cameroon's two-year-old national crisis threatens the country's very foundations, says scholar Christopher Fomunyoh. In this video, Fomunyoh discusses the nature and causes of the grievances that brought this crisis to a head, as well as recommendations for addressing them.
Nordic countries' decades-long peace and security engagement in Africa has centered on African interests, long-term partnerships, and building African capacity.
Drug trafficking is a major transnational threat in Africa that converges with other illicit activities ranging from money laundering to human trafficking and terrorism.
Despite their shortcomings, African peace operations have saved lives, built security sector capacity, and helped mitigate conflict—reducing pressure on international actors to become directly involved.
Program materials for the Africa Center's 2017 program, Maritime Safety and Security Inter-regional Cooperation Centers. Click here for syllabus, bios, readings, and slides.
The Indian Ocean is a vital conduit for trade. It's also a domain where security threats, including piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing, thrive. Former Africa Center professor Assis Malaquias reflects on its relevance to national security in Africa.
ECOWAS leadership in the Gambia crisis offers lessons for future regional security cooperation in Africa.
Gambia narrowly averted a regional crisis when Yahya Jammeh stepped down. The coordinated action of neighboring countries and regional organizations could provide a model for future governance crises.
African institutional efforts at conflict prevention and mediation have proved instrumental at realizing negotiated settlements.
This report considers reforms needed to improve ECOWAS’s collective action in the face of formidable challenges to peace and security in West Africa.