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

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

AfricaSource

Aug 2, 2016

A Primer on South Africa’s Municipal Elections: What’s at Stake and Why it Matters

By Chloë McGrath

On August 3, South Africans go to the polls to vote in the country’s fifth local government elections since the end of apartheid. Although municipal elections seldom draw much international attention, this year the stakes are particularly high in South Africa. Since it championed the struggle to liberate the country from apartheid under the leadership […]

Africa South Africa

Event Recap

Aug 2, 2016

US-Angola Energy Roundtable

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, August 2, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center, in partnership with the US-Angola Chamber of Commerce, hosted a roundtable on US-Angola energy opportunities. Coming on the heels of the official US-Angola Strategic Energy Dialogue that took place on Monday, August 1, at the US Department of State, the event welcomed a delegation of Angolan […]

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2016

Investment Compact Brings Hope to Niger

By Mitch Hulse

A nearly $450 million investment package from the Millennium Challenge Corporation—an independent US foreign aid agency—for Niger will empower farmers and bolster transit infrastructure in the West African state, improving the livelihoods of more than 3.9 million Nigeriens, according to Niger’s prime minister, Brigi Rafini. The Nigerien government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) on […]

Economy & Business North & West Africa