Seminar
May 18–22, 2026 (Virtual)
June 08–12, 2026 (In-Person)
Washington, DC
English | Français
Information Note
Schedule
Syllabus
Bios
Executive Summary
Virtual Sessions
Session 1
African Security Landscape: Conflict Trends & Security Mega Trends
Presented by:
- Dr. Luka Kuol [slides]
- Dr. Clionadh Raleigh
- Dr. Jakkie Cilliers
Reading:
- Raymond Gilpin. “Unpacking the Implications of Future Trends for Security in Africa.” Brookings, 2020.
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies. “Africa’s 2024 Security Trends in 10 Graphics.” Infographic. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies.17 December 2024.
- Matthias Basedau, Charlotte Heyl, and Eckart Woertz. “Population Growth and Security in Africa: Myth or Underestimated Risk?” German Institute for Global and Area Studies, Hamburg. 14 January 2021.
- Kristian Hoelscher, Nick Dorward, Sean Fox, Taibat Lawanson, Jeffrey Paller and Melanie Phillips. 2023. “Urbanization and Political Change in Africa.” African Affairs, 122 (488): 353–376.
- Velomahanina Razakamaharavo. 2021. “Implications of Emerging Technologies on Peace and Security in Africa”. Conflict and Resilience Monitor 2021/2. Accord.
- Guy Lamb. 2023. “Revisiting Human Security in Africa in the Post-Covid-19 Era”. Policy Paper No. 86. Afrobarometer. February 2023
- Laura Kokko, « L’Afrique de l’avenir : les tendances clés d’ici à 2025, » dans L’Afrique : un continent sur la voie de l’intégration. Centre Universitaire Francophone, p. 173-193, 2018.
Session 2
Terrorism and Violent Extremism Dynamics
Presented by:
- Dr. Daisy Muibu [slides]
- Dr. Anouar Boukhars
- Dr. Daniel Eizenga (moderator)
Reading:
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies. “Militant Islamist Groups in Africa Sustain High Pace of Lethality.” Infographic. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies. 18 February 2025.
- Anouar Boukhars. “Thwarting Nascent Insurgencies in Coastal West Africa.” Sahel and West Africa Club (OECD/SWAC) West African Papers no. 44. October 2024.
- Daniel Eizenga and Amandine Gnanguênon. “Recalibrating Coastal West Africa’s Response to Violent Extremism.” Africa Center for Strategic Studies Africa Security Brief no. 43. 22 July 2024.
- Wendy Williams, “Reclaiming Al Shabaab’s Revenue.” Spotlight. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies. 27 March 2023.
- The Africa Center for Strategic Studies. “Expanding Al Shabaab–Houthi Ties Escalate Security Threats to Red Sea Region,” Africa Center for Strategic Studies. 28 May 2025.
- Daisy Muibu and Yayedior Mbengue. “Somalia at a Crossroads: Resurgent Insurgents, Fragmented Politics, and the Uncertain Future of AUSSOM.” Combating Terrorism Center Sentinel. May 2025.
- Daisy Muibu. “Somalia’s Offensive Against al-Shabaab: Taking Stock of Obstacles.” Combating Terrorism Center Sentinel. February 2024.
- Daisy Muibu. “Islamic State in Somalia: A Global Threat and Efforts to Counter the Militants,” Policy Brief Orion Policy Institute 6 March 2025.
- Journey to Extremism in Africa: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement. UNDP. February 2023.
Session 3
Transnational Organized Crime Dynamics
Presented by:
- Mr. Martin Ewi
- Dr. Catherine Kelly
- Dr. Nate Allen (moderator)
Reading:
- Catherine Lena Kelly, “An Introduction to Coordination of Security and Justice Responses to Countering Transnational Organized Crime,” Africa Center for Strategic Studies
- Lusaka Agreement Task Force, “Cross-Border Cooperation and Coordination to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade: A Case Study of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF),” 2022.
- “Déclaration de Kinshasa sur le renforcement de la coopération judiciaire dans la région des Grands Lacs,” Réunion des Ministres de la Justice des Etats Membres de la Conférence Internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs, 16 juin 2022.
- Additional Africa Center Resources: Enhancing Security-Justice Coordination to Counter TOC, Western and Southern Africa program videos, February 9 – March 3, 2021.
- Enhancing Security-Justice Coordination to Counter TOC, Central, Eastern, and Northern Africa program videos, October 19 – November 10, 2021.
- Professional Development for Countering Transnational Organized Crime webinar series videos, 2021-2022.
Session 4
Maritime Security Threats
Reading:
- Christian Bueger, Timothy Edmunds and Jan Stockbruegger. “Securing the Seas: A Comprehensive Assessment of Global Maritime Security.” (Geneva, Switzerland: UNIDIR, 2024).
- Ian Ralby, “Trends in African Maritime Security.” Africa Center for Strategic Studies Spotlight, 2019:
- United Nations, “Africa’s Blue Economy: A Policy Handbook.” 2016.
- Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Oliver Eastwood, Noleen Chikowore, and Lucas de Oliveira Paes, “Technology and maritime security in Africa: Opportunities and challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.” Marine Policy vol. 160 (2024).
- Lucas De Oliveira Paes and Ifesenachi Okafor-Yarwood, “Techno-optimism versus techno-reality: an analysis of internationally funded technological solutions against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Ghana and Guinea-Bissau.” Environmental Politics (2024).
- Ifesenachi Okafor-Yarwood, “Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and the complexities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for countries in the Gulf of Guinea.” Marine Policy, vol. 99 (January 2019), p. 414-422.
- Pieter Brits and Michelle Nel, “African maritime security and the Lomé Charter: Reality or dream?” African Security Review 27 (3-4): p. 226-244, 2018.
- Thierry Vircoulon & Violette Tournier, « Sécurité dans le golfe de Guinée : un combat régional, » Politique Etrangère 3, 2015.
- Darshana M. Baruah, Nitya Labh, and Jessica Greely, “Mapping the Indian Ocean Region,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, June 15, 2023.
- Christian Bueger, “Who Secures the Western Indian Ocean? The Need for Strategic Dialogue,” Center for Maritime Strategy, September 19, 2024.
- Carina Bruewer, “Africa’s ocean of organised crime,” Institute for Security Studies, October 09, 2023.
Session 5
Cyber and Emerging Technology Threats
Presented by:
- Dr. Nate Allen
- Mr. Abdul-Hakeem B. D. Ajijola
- Dr. Mark Duerksen (moderator)
Reading:
- Nate D.F. Allen, “Military Drone Proliferation Marks Destabilizing Shift in Africa’s Armed Conflicts.” Spotlight. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2025.
- Nate D.F. Allen, “Africa’s Evolving Cyber Threats.” Spotlight. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2021.
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies, “Topic in Focus: Foreign Information Manipulation.” Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2025.
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies, “Artificial Intelligence and Africa’s Security Landscape.” Webinar. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2023.
- INTERPOL, “African Cyber Threat Assessment Report 2024.” INTERPOL 2024.
Session 6
National Security Strategy Development Processes, Phases, and Elements
Reading:
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies, “National Security Strategy Development in Africa: Toolkit for Drafting and Consultation.”
- S. National War College. A National Security Strategy Primer. Edited by Steven Heffington, Adam Oler, and David Tretler. Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 2025.
- Republic of South Africa. National Security Strategy 2024–2028. Pretoria: Government of South Africa, 2024.
- Republic of Kenya. 2023 Report on the State of National Security. Nairobi: Government of Kenya, 2023.
Session 7
National Security Strategy Development: National Interests, Threats, and Risks Assessment
Presented by:
- Ms. Amanda Dory
- COL Sean McClure
- Dr. Daisy Muibu (moderator)
Reading:
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies, “National Security Strategy Development in Africa: Toolkit for Drafting and Consultation.”
- US. National War College. A National Security Strategy Primer. Edited by Steven Heffington, Adam Oler, and David Tretler. Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 2025.
- Republic of South Africa. National Security Strategy 2024–2028. Pretoria: Government of South Africa, 2024.
- Republic of Kenya. 2023 Report on the State of National Security. Nairobi: Government of Kenya, 2023.
Session 8
National Security Strategy Formulation: Ways and Responses
Presented by:
- Col (Ret) Steven Heffington
- COL (Ret) Tim Mitchell
- COL Sean McClure (moderator)
Reading:
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies, “National Security Strategy Development in Africa: Toolkit for Drafting and Consultation.”
- US. National War College. A National Security Strategy Primer. Edited by Steven Heffington, Adam Oler, and David Tretler. Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 2025.
- Republic of South Africa. National Security Strategy 2024–2028. Pretoria: Government of South Africa, 2024.
- Republic of Kenya. 2023 Report on the State of National Security. Nairobi: Government of Kenya, 2023.
Session 9
National Security Strategy Formulation Exercise Overview
Moderated by:
- Dr. Joel Amegboh
Opening Session and Virtual Session Recap: Keynote Address
Presented by:
- Major General Mpho Churchill O. Mophuting
- Major General Joyce Sitienei
- Dr. Assis Malaquias (moderator)
Session 10
Strategic Leadership in Africa’s Security Sector
Presented by:
- Major General (Ret) Ekman
- Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed
- Brigadier General (Ret) Mody Berethé
- Director Amanda Dory (moderator)
Reading:
- Ben Ramalingam et al, “Five Principles to Guide Adaptive Leadership.” Harvard Business Review, 2020.
- Regina Eckert and Simon Rweyongoze, “Leadership Development in Africa: A Focus on Strengths.” Center for Creative Leadership, 2015.
- Kwesi Aning and Joseph Siegle, “Deep Commitment, High Expectations: The Values of the Next Generation of African Security Sector Leaders.” Africa Defense Forum, 2018.
- Sam Adeyemi, “Africa does not Need Charity, it Needs Good Leadership,” World Economic Forum on Africa, 2017.
Session 11
Security Governance and Civil-Military Relations
Presented by:
- Dr. Martha Mutisi
- COL (Ret) Dr. Emile Ouedraogo
- Dr. Catherine Kelly (moderator)
Reading:
- “Letting Citizens, Constitution Lead the Way: Civilian Control of the Armed Forces Remains a Durable Model Despite Coups, Setbacks,” Africa Defense Forum, 1 January 2024.
- Christopher Day, Moses Khisa, and William Reno, “Rethinking the Civil-Military Conundrum in Africa.” Civil Wars Vol 22(2-3) pp. 156-173, 2020.
- Catherine Lena Kelly, “Justice and Rule of Law Key to African Security.” Africa Center for Strategic Studies Spotlight, 2021.
- “Security Sector Governance: Applying Principles of Good Governance to the Security Sector.” Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, 2015.
Session 12
Regional Responses to Security Challenges
Presented by:
- General Cheikh Dembele
- Mr. Zinurine Alghali
- Brigadier General (Ret) Elijah Mwanyika
- Dr. Nate Allen (moderator)
Reading:
- Nate D. F. Allen and Nicole Mazurova. “African Union and United Nations Partnership Key to the Future of Peace Operations in Africa,” Spotlight. Washington: Africa Center for Strategic Studies. April 30, 2024.
- “Eight Priorities for the African Union in 2025,” International Crisis Group Briefing no. 205 (2025).
- “The Future of Peacekeeping, New Models, and Related Capabilities,” United Nations Peacekeeping, November 01, 2024.
- Sanae Suzuki, “Exploring the roles of the AU and ECOWAS in West African Conflicts.” South African Journal of International Affairs 27:2, 173-191, 2020.
- Bitania Tadesse, “The Role of African Multilateralism in the New Agenda for Peace,” International Peace Institute Global Observatory, September 2023.
- Mark Whitlock and Robert Muggah, “Reflections on the evolution of conflict early warning.” International Journal of Security and Development, 10 (1), 2022.
- West African Network for Peacebuilding, “Annual Report 2021: Adapting Resilient Approaches and Synergies to Peacebuilding in the ‘New Normal’.” 2021.
Session 13
Leveraging Bilateral Relationships
Presented by:
- TBD
- Dr. Raymond Gilpin
- TBD
- COL Sean McClure (moderator)
Reading:
- Lina Benabdallah, “China-Africa military ties have deepened. Here are 4 things to know,” The Washington Post Monkey Cage blog, July 6, 2018.
- Moderan, O. (2015). Political Leadership and National Ownership of Security Sector Reform Processes. Toolkit for Security Sector Reform and Governance in West Africa, 3.
- Paul Nantulya, “Solidarity in Peace and Security: The Nordic-African Partnership,” Africa Center for Strategic Studies, November 29, 2017,
- Paul Nantulya, “The Tokyo International Conference on African Development—Fostering Stability through Peace and Security,” Africa Center for Strategic Studies, August 22, 2022.
- Paul Nantulya, “Africa-India Cooperation Sets Benchmark for Partnership,” Africa Center for Strategic Studies, December 12, 2023.
- Watts, Steve. “Identifying and Mitigating Risks in Security Sector Assistance for Africa’s Fragile States”. Rand Corporation 2015.
Additional Readings:
- Ismail, Olawale, and Elisabeth Skons, eds. Security Activities of External Actors in Africa. Oxford University Press, 2014.
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2021. “National Security Strategy Development in Africa: Toolkit for Drafting and Consultation”. Pages 40-41.
Session 14
Introduction to American Institutions, U.S. Defense Policy and Strategy in Africa
Presented by:
- TBD
- TBD
- Ms. Amanda Dory, Director
Reading:
- Aline LeBoeuf, “La compétition stratégique en Afrique. Approches militaires américaine, chinois, et russe.” Focus stratégique 91, Institut Français des Relations Internationales, p. 17-18, 33-43 et l’annexe, 2019.