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Russia has significantly expanded its engagements in Africa in recent years. These engagements often take the form of propping up embattled and isolated autocratic leaders of countries that are rich in natural resources. The United States can draw a distinction with Russia’s destabilizing role by pursuing a positive engagement strategy in Africa. The United States must avoid the Cold War trap of competing with Russia for the affections of corrupt, autocratic leaders in Africa, however, as such a policy would be disastrous for Africa while not advancing US interests.
Recommended research
published by Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
on March 18, 2019
African governments increasingly use internet disruptions as a tool to prevent information sharing and popular mobilization during elections or periods of conflict. In the first three weeks of 2019 alone, the governments of Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sudan, and Zimbabwe blocked citizens’ access to the internet and social media. Over the last three years, governments in Africa that are less democratic or have been in power for the longest are more likely to order internet disruptions. All the African countries that have disrupted internet access in 2019 are authoritarian. Internet blackouts threaten election freedom and human rights and cause serious economic disruptions.
Program Materials
Program materials for the Africa Center's 2018 Africa's Contemporary Security Challenges Workshop. Click here for syllabus, readings, presentation slides, and links to videos.
Program Materials
Program materials for the Africa Center's 2018 National Strategies to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism in Africa program. Click here for syllabus, readings, and slides.
Spotlight
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on March 27, 2018
The Catholic Church is at the forefront of organizing protests demanding elections in the DRC, despite government intimidation.
Spotlight
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on December 11, 2017
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.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on August 24, 2017
Despite the serious humanitarian and economic tolls generated by Burundi’s crisis, the reaction of its neighbors has been remarkably subdued.
Spotlight
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on April 7, 2017
As mass atrocities increase in Africa, scholar Samantha Lakin reflects on lessons learned in the 23 years since Rwanda’s genocide that could help prevent future atrocities.
Spotlight
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on February 17, 2017
John Katunga, senior technical advisor for peacebuilding at Catholic Relief Services, discusses the status of the DRC's peace process and the role of external actors in the negotiations.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on September 19, 2016
A snapshot of Africa’s displaced populations reveals that 71 percent of Africa’s 18.5 million displaced persons are from 5 countries (Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), and while much of global attention has focused on refugee migration into Europe, two-thirds of Africa’s dislocated population are internally displaced.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on June 8, 2016
African institutional efforts at conflict prevention and mediation have proved instrumental at realizing negotiated settlements.
Spotlight
published by Michael D. Rettig
on May 26, 2016
Africa currently hosts over 100,000 peacekeeping personnel. Contributions by African nations are rising and are more diversified—with some big exceptions.
