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

Nov 13, 2015

Decoding the Tanzanian Elections

By Africa Center

On Friday, November 13, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center and the International Republican Institute (IRI) organized a discussion of the recent national and regional elections in Tanzania. Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham welcomed participants, introduced the speakers, and moderated the conversation. The Honorable Mark Green, President of IRI and former US Ambassador to […]

Africa

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2015

A Zanzibar-Size Blemish on Tanzania’s Election

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Electoral panel’s decision to nullify Zanzibar vote must be recalled, says President of International Republican Institute Tanzania faces a crucial test of its commitment to multiparty democracy in the wake of October elections that were marred by the annulment of voting in the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, Mark Green, a former US Ambassador to Tanzania, […]

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Event Recap

Nov 10, 2015

Liberian Defense Minister Discusses Success of Security Sector Reform

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, November 10, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable discussion on Liberian security sector reform (SSR) with the Honorable Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., Minister of National Defense for the Republic of Liberia.

Africa North & West Africa

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2015

Walking a Fine Line in the War Against Boko Haram

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The United States will have to balance the need to deal with regional threat and limited resources, says Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham As it steps into the war against Boko Haram, the Obama administration will have to balance the need to deal with the regional threat posed by the Islamist militants and the very […]

Nigeria

AfricaSource

Oct 15, 2015

Rwanda: Term Limit Controversy Masks Real Issues

By Sam Learner

The decision by Rwanda’s Supreme Court to allow a popular referendum on the lifting of presidential term limits has all but cleared President Paul Kagame’s path to a third term in office. Rwanda’s constitution currently restricts the president to two seven-year terms, the second of which President Kagame began in 2010, but the ruling Rwandan Patriotic […]

Africa East Africa
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Event Recap

Oct 6, 2015

Discussion on Status of South Sudan’s Peace Agreement with Dr. Riek Machar

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, October 6, the Africa Center hosted a luncheon roundtable with Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, Former Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham welcomed guests and gave a short introduction.

East Africa

Event Recap

Oct 5, 2015

Somalia Security and Political Briefing

By Africa Center

On Monday, October 5, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable discussion with Ambassador Maman Sambo Sidikou, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for an update on AMISOM’s operations in Somalia as well as recent security and political developments in the country. […]

Africa Somalia

Event Recap

Oct 5, 2015

Navigating the American Elections: A Roundtable with African Ambassadors

By Africa Center

On Monday, October 5, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable on the US elections for ambassadors and other chiefs of mission representing African countries in Washington. The discussion featured presentations by Lanny Davis, former Special Counsel to President Bill Clinton, twelve-year veteran of the Democratic National Committee, and Executive Vice President of LEVICK, and the […]

Africa
Photo: Shades of Conde via YouTube

AfricaSource

Oct 2, 2015

Can Guinea’s Election Be Credible?

By J. Peter Pham

For months, I have been warning that Guinea’s young democracy was extraordinarily fragile and might well prove stillborn. Last month, I highlighted the broader significance of next week’s presidential election, noting that its conduct will either consolidate the major advance for democracy in Africa achieved earlier this year when the continent’s most populous country and […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Sep 30, 2015

Salon Dinner Discussion with African Development Bank President

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, September 30, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted an exclusive dinner discussion with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, in New York City. After a welcome by Atlantic Council Treasurer and Executive Committee Member Brian C. McK. Henderson, Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham introduced Adesina, noting that his background—coming […]

Africa Economy & Business