Understanding Terrorist Threats in Africa
Al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and Boko Haram, while all different, each display three common characteristics that aid in understanding terrorist actors in Africa.
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The Lessons and Limits of DDR in Africa
DDR nitiatives are often under-prioritized and -conceptualized, contributing to the high rates of conflict relapse observed in Africa.
Addressing Côte d’Ivoire’s Deeper Crisis
Legacies of Côte d’Ivoire’s national identity crisis left this strategic West African country vulnerable to further instability.
Africa’s Militaries: A Missing Link in Democratic Transitions
Institutionalization of democratic norms in Africa’s militaries often lags behind advances made in civilian institutions and civil society.
Democracy and the Chain of Command: A New Governance of Africa’s Security Sector
Download this Security Brief as a PDF: English | Français | Português As many African countries continue down the path of democratic reform, Africa’s defense and security forces must make fundamental changes to adapt to a democratic model of governance. In this paper, General Dominique Djindjéré puts forward five priority reforms Africa’s defense and security... Continue Reading
Africa’s Fragile States: Empowering Extremists, Exporting Terrorism
Download this Security Brief as a PDF: English | Français | Português Persistent reports of extremist activity from across Africa have deepened concern over the spread of radicalism on the continent. Extremists capitalize on political and security vacuums within Africa’s fragile states to grow their support base and consolidate their strength. Stable states that provide... Continue Reading
Research
Africa Center research offers strategic analysis of Africa’s security challenges and practical, evidence-based insights into paths forward.
Additional Reading on Countering Violent Extremism
(See more recent readings on this topic here.) Ending ‘Forever War’ in Somalia: Negotiating with Al-Shabaab By Mohamed Husein Gaas and Stig Jarle Hansen, 2022 Sixteen years of a militarized approach toward al Shabaab has resulted in a stalemate. Negotiation between the two sides has yet to be explored in earnest. There are several barriers... Continue Reading
Additional Reading on Security Sector Governance
(See more recent readings on this topic here.) Assessing Attitudes of the Next Generation of African Security Sector Professionals By Kwesi Aning and Joseph Siegle, May 1, 2019 Africa’s armed forces are in transition from an independence-era model to one more suited to today’s conflicts and threats. They are increasingly called upon to engage in... Continue Reading
Recalibrating Coastal West Africa’s Response to Violent Extremism
Coastal West African countries can strengthen resiliency to the threat of violent extremism by enhancing a multilayered response addressing local, national, and regional priorities.
How Africa’s Legislatures Can Improve Security
Legislatures play an integral role in advancing national security by ensuring priorities align with citizen interests, budgets are allocated to meet priorities, and adequate oversight exists for the effective use of these resources.
Making Sense of Senegal’s Constitutional Crisis
The unprecedented attempt by Senegal’s President Macky Sall to postpone presidential elections is legally dubious and has thrown the country into a constitutional crisis that will test its democratic institutions.