Africa Center Commentary & Analysis

Congo’s Democracy Deficit Continues to Grow

By J. Peter Pham

Joseph Kabila continues to underscore the irony of the official name of the country he has misgoverned for more than a decade, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As I noted previously, Kabila—in power since 2001 when, at the ripe old age of 29, he succeeded his warlord father after the latter was shot […]

Morocco’s Contribution to Countering Violent Extremism in Africa and the Middle East

By Africa Center

Unlike many of its neighbors, Morocco has experienced few terror attacks in recent years and remains a bastion of stability and prosperity in a turbulent region. In fact, Morocco’s programs to combat the root causes of terrorism are hailed as some of the most innovative and successful in the region.

University Attack Marks Al-Shabaab’s ‘Pivot’ to ISIS

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s Bruton says Somali terror group embracing more deadly tactics Al-Shabaab’s deadly April 2 assault against a Kenyan university—the country’s bloodiest attack in 17 years—is a sign that the Somali terrorist group is trying to pivot toward the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), said Atlantic Council analyst Bronywn Bruton. “A schoolyard massacre […]

Breaking the Mold in Nigeria

By J. Peter Pham

Bottom Line Up Front:  • On Tuesday, retired military dictator General Muhammadu Buhari surged to victory over incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria’s most hotly contested presidential contest since the end of military rule • Buhari’s win stunned observers: it is the first time that an incumbent has been defeated in Nigeria’s history • Perhaps […]

In Nigeria, Jonathan’s Luck Runs Out

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Opposition leader Buhari’s strategy of building coalitions pays off, says Atlantic Council’s Pham Opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari’s strategy of assembling a broad coalition and restricting President Goodluck Jonathan to his traditional power base helped the former military ruler to a decisive victory in Nigeria’s March 28 presidential elections, according to Atlantic Council analyst J. Peter […]

US-Africa Enhanced Commercial Cooperation: Keeping the Momentum in 2015

By Africa Center

In an era of globalization and expanding commercial ties, Africa offers countries and private industry considerable opportunities for trade and investment. Last August, the White House hosted the inaugural US-Africa Leaders Summit, a gathering of heads of state and government from across the continent. The purpose of the summit was to strengthen and broaden economic […]

Election Uncertainty Would Deal Another Blow to Nigeria’s Economy

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Weak naira, low oil prices already hurting Africa’s largest oil producer, says Atlantic Council’s Hruby The absence of a clear winner in Nigeria’s presidential elections could deal another blow to the country’s economy, which is already reeling from falling crude oil prices, says Atlantic Council analyst Aubrey Hruby. Nigerians will vote in presidential and national […]

What the US Embassy Warnings in East Africa Tell Us about al-Shabaab

By Joshua Meservey

On Wednesday, the US embassy in Kampala, Uganda warned US citizens of a possible attack on Westerners in the city by the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaab. On March 19, the US embassy in Djibouti closed for several days to “review its security posture;” the embassy did not provide further details, but the closure was likely […]

What’s Russia Doing in Africa?

Atlantic Council’s Pham shares insights on Russia’s acitivities on the continent Under pressure from the West over its actions in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea, Russia is increasingly turning its attention to Africa, says J. Peter Pham, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center. “Recent developments have validated these concerns as the siloviki around […]

Russia’s Return to Africa: An Update

By J. Peter Pham

One year after the disputed referendum to join Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula to Russia, the Kremlin is increasingly finding in Africa a welcome break from what has otherwise been its continued international diplomatic and economic isolation as a result of its aggression against its Eastern European neighbor.