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.

AfricaSource

Aug 6, 2019

Demystifying Malawi’s ‘Tipp-Ex election’

By Luke Tyburski

The use of white-out on results sheets in Malawi’s May election has brought international media attention to the small southern African country, leading some to dub the polls Malawi’s ‘Tipp-Ex election’ after the popular white-out brand.

Africa Elections

AfricaSource

Jul 25, 2019

How should the US approach LGBT rights in Africa?

By Stephanie Mithika

The framing of LGBT rights as a form of neocolonialism has proven an effective tool for local politicians and religious leaders who wish to prevent progress on the issue – and who often form alliances with foreign religious groups and governments in the process.

Africa English

AfricaSource

Jul 22, 2019

Reviewing Mauritania’s historic election

By Luke Tyburski

Mauritania’s June 22 presidential election marked the country’s first democratic transfer of power since independence. The ruling party’s Mohamed Ould Ghazouani won with 52 percent of the vote, and his closest challenger, Biram Dah Abeid, received 18 percent. But the election was less of a landslide than the vote totals imply.

Africa Elections

AfricaSource

Jul 17, 2019

Sudan’s power-sharing deal: An exercise in optimism

By Cameron Hudson

Until there is greater clarity on how the Sovereign Council will function, how it will relate to the prime minister and his Council of Ministers, and what the duties, responsibilities, and authorities of the Legislative Council will be, the agreement will remain little more than words on a page.

Africa East Africa

Event Recap

Jul 15, 2019

Africa business experts discuss china’s commercial expansion in Africa

By Africa Center

On July 15, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted a discussion on China’s diversifying economic engagement in Africa, occasioned by the launch of Senior Fellow Aubrey Hruby’s latest issue brief, Deconstructing the Dragon: China’s Commercial Expansion in Africa.

Africa China

AfricaSource

Jun 18, 2019

Mauritania election primer

By Luke Tyburski

Mauritania’s presidential election on June 22 stands to mark the country’s first democratic transfer of power since independence in 1960. This comes as Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who assumed control in a 2008 coup d’état, has agreed to step down, abiding by term limits. Aziz’s ruling Union for the Republic (UPR) party maintains […]

Africa Elections

Event Recap

Jun 18, 2019

Expert panel discusses the state of democracy in Africa

By Africa Center

Brenthurst Foundation Director Dr. Greg Mills said out various challenges to African democracy and argued that the continent’s rapid demographic growth “demands an end to business as usual.”

Africa Democratic Transitions

Event Recap

Jun 6, 2019

Experts debate the future of global warfare

By Africa Center

On Thursday, June 6, the Africa Center hosted a public discussion on the future of warfare, occasioned by the launch of Senior Fellow Dr. Sean McFate’s latest book The New Rules of War: Victory in the Age of Durable Disorder. Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies and Deputy Director Ms. Bronwyn Bruton welcomed guests […]

Africa China

Event Recap

Jun 4, 2019

Ethiopian opposition leader outlines roadmap to political reform

By Africa Center

Dr. Berhanu claimed many Ethiopians remain optimistic that a real transition to democracy is possible, but also cautioned against the impatience of the youth population for sweeping immediate change, characterizing the popular intent as “revolution” rather than “reform.”

Africa East Africa

Event Recap

May 22, 2019

Covert capital: Illicit finance in the DR Congo

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, May 22, the Africa Center partnered with The Sentry at the Enough Project to host a discussion on illicit finance operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), occasioned by the release of the group’s new report: Covert Capital: The Kabila Family’s Secret Investment Bank. Ms. Bronwyn Bruton, Africa Center director of […]

Africa Corruption