Africa Center Commentary & Analysis

Through high-level relationships and a track record of well-respected analysis, the Africa Center speaks directly to the stakeholders who matter, shaping policy on the foremost issues of this dynamic continent.

Event Recap

Sep 8, 2016

USAID Briefing on Southern African Drought

By Africa Center

On Thursday, August 8, the Africa Center hosted a briefing with the Honorable R. David Harden, assistant administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and Dina Esposito, director of the USAID’s Office of Food for Peace, who briefed participants on the El Niño-induced drought […]

South & Central Africa

Event Recap

Sep 1, 2016

Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Frans Cronjé

By Africa Center

On Thursday, September 1, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable discussion with Dr. Frans Cronjé, CEO of the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR), for a discussion on the future of the African National Congress (ANC) political party.

South Africa

New Atlanticist

Sep 1, 2016

The UN Goes to South Sudan. Here’s What to Expect.

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Divided Security Council diplomats will likely deliver mixed messages on a rare visit to Juba, said Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham A sharply divided United Nations Security Council will likely end up delivering mixed messages this week on a rare visit to South Sudan—a nation that is once more on the brink of full-blown civil […]

East Africa International Organizations

Event Recap

Aug 31, 2016

A Conversation with the Ethiopian Political Opposition

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, August 31, the Africa Center hosted a breakfast roundtable with Dr. Merera Gudina, chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, and Eng. Yilkal Getnet, chairman of the Semayawi (Blue) Party, to discuss the state of political affairs in Ethiopia in light of recent and unprecedented mass protests in the Oromia and Amhara Regions. 

Africa Ethiopia

AfricaSource

Aug 22, 2016

King Affirms Africa as “Top Priority” in Moroccan Foreign Policy

By J. Peter Pham

In a nationally-televised speech on August 20, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI characterized Africa as the “top priority” of his country’s foreign policy, emphasizing that “this multi-dimensional relationship puts Morocco in the center of Africa” and “Africa holds a special place in the heart of Moroccans.” Coming just a month after the historic decision by the […]

Morocco

AfricaSource

Aug 19, 2016

#ThisFlag’s Pastor Evan Mawarire Condemns Continued Crackdown in Zimbabwe

By Julian Wyss and Chloë McGrath

“If we cannot cause the politician to change, then we must inspire the citizen to be bold,” said Pastor Evan Mawarire, founder of Zimbabwe’s #ThisFlag movement, at the Atlantic Council on Wednesday, August 17. Mawarire gave his remarks draped in a Zimbabwean flag, the symbol of the movement. “We are rising up to say that […]

South & Central Africa

New Atlanticist

Aug 19, 2016

#ThisFlag’s Pastor Evan Mawarire Condemns Continued Crackdown in Zimbabwe

By Julian Wyss and Chloë McGrath

“If we cannot cause the politician to change, then we must inspire the citizen to be bold,” said Pastor Evan Mawarire, founder of Zimbabwe’s #ThisFlag movement, at the Atlantic Council on Wednesday, August 17. Mawarire gave his remarks draped in a Zimbabwean flag, the symbol of the movement. “We are rising up to say that […]

South & Central Africa

Event Recap

Aug 17, 2016

A Conversation with Pastor Evan Mawarire

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, August 17, the Africa Center hosted Pastor Evan Mawarire, founder of the #ThisFlag campaign, a mass movement of Zimbabwean citizens demanding government reform. In April 2016, Mawarire, a previously unknown Zimbabwean pastor, inadvertently launched the #ThisFlag movement to call the government to account for corruption, injustice, and poverty. Mawarire’s campaign has sparked an […]

South & Central Africa

AfricaSource

Aug 16, 2016

In Wake of African Peacekeeping Scandals, Canada Looks to Re-engage with UN

By Julian Wyss

Recent reports that United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping in South Sudan failed to protect both civilians and foreign workers from rape, beatings, and robbery during a recent spate of violence in July are the most recent in a long string of peacekeeping scandals in Africa. In some cases, blue helmets have simply failed to protect civilians […]

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 8, 2016

South African Municipal Elections Illuminate Wavering Position for Ruling Party

By Mitch Hulse

The African National Congress’ (ANC) defeat in critical municipalities during the local elections held on August 3 has revealed cracks in South Africa’s ruling political party and has highlighted the diminishing influence of President Jacob Zuma, according to the Atlantic Council’s Chloë McGrath. “The results of this municipal election have certainly created significant shockwaves for […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy