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"South Africa"
Recommended research
published by Richard Poplack, Daily Maverick
on May 4, 2021
While the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado grows increasingly violent, the unpoliced coastline of Northern Mozambique allows for the trafficking of hundreds of millions of dollars of heroin. The ruling Frelimo party reportedly pockets at least of $100 million of revenue from this trade each year. Efforts to combat the insurgents, who doubt that the government’s deals for natural gas exploitation will benefit all citizens have stalled, worsened by heavy handed tactics of government forces and their allied Russian and South African mercenaries. A better understanding of the dynamics at play, along with a recognition that criminalized power structures seek to protect themselves, will be required to craft adequate responses to the violence.
Recommended research
published by Simone Haysom, ENACT
on February 13, 2020
Urbanization and governance shape the political economy of heroin trafficking in Southern and East Africa. Case studies of heroin trafficking dynamics in capital cities, port towns, interior hubs, and border communities suggest that counter-trafficking efforts should strengthen cross-border intelligence sharing, combat government corruption, consider local communities, address the role of informal transport systems in the narcotics trade, and mitigate the drug trade’s role in fueling violence.
Program Materials
Program materials for the Africa Center's 2019 program, “National Security Strategy Development Workshop: Central and Southern Africa.” Click here for syllabus, readings, and presentation slides.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on July 28, 2025
Escalating violence in the Sahel and Somalia have caused fatalities linked to militant Islamist groups in Africa to surge by 60 percent since 2023.
Spotlight
published by Martha Bakwesegha
on July 15, 2025
African governments and citizens must decide what kind of union Africa needs to meet its aspiration of a regional body that advances peace, expands prosperity, and effectively represents African interests in international forums.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on July 8, 2025
Gulf state actors are expanding their engagements in critical infrastructure, ports, and the security sector in East Africa as they seek opportunities and compete for influence—reshaping the investment and political contours of the region.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on June 30, 2025
China’s regime agnostic diplomacy in Africa—investing in countries irrespective of a government’s adherence to the rule of law—holds inherent risks for Chinese investments and regional stability.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on June 10, 2025
China’s expanding security engagements in Africa are part of Beijing's geostrategic aims to advance its global security posture.
Spotlight
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on May 20, 2025
To benefit from the latest surge in global demand for strategic minerals, African countries must learn from past experiences and build transparent processes that advance stability and benefit ordinary citizens.
Infographic
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on May 12, 2025
As Africa urbanizes at a record pace, national security policies will need to adjust to the changing geographic locus and types of threats in urban versus rural settings.
Spotlight
published by Nate Allen
on April 21, 2025
A revolution in unmanned systems is reshaping the dynamics of Africa’s armed conflicts. Professional militaries must balance the tactical advantages of drones with an understanding of their limitations and risks.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on March 10, 2025
Chinese firms are present in over a third of all African port developments, some of which could be used for expanded Chinese naval presence on the continent.
