Programs

The Atlantic Council’s Africa Center promotes dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and helps redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

Content

Report

Aug 3, 2023

The Western Sahara conflict: A fragile path to negotiations

By Riccardo Fabiani

The long-dormant conflict over Western Sahara has resurged in recent years, challenging regional stability. Diplomatic tensions between the main sides, coupled with the collapse of the 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire and US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in 2020, have complicated the situation. The appointment of UN envoy Staffan de Mistura in 2021 offers hope for the revival of cease-fire talks, while the UN and the United States aim to stabilize the conflict through renewed diplomatic efforts.

Conflict International Organizations

Report

Aug 3, 2023

Libya: Back to the future?

By Karim Mezran and Alessia Melcangi

The current Libyan situation is complex, influenced by numerous factors, including the conditions of the 2011 revolution. The misconception of it being a whole people's revolution led to a focus on elections instead of national reconciliation, hindering the rebuilding of consensus and a new social contract.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Aug 2, 2023

Rich Outzen joins WION TV to discuss Chinese military inroads in Africa

Africa China

AfricaSource

Aug 1, 2023

There are high expectations for Nigeria’s new president. Here’s how he can fulfill them.

By O. Felix Obi

Bola Ahmed Tinubu does have an opportunity to set up Nigeria as an economic powerhouse and African superpower. Here's how he can seize it.

Africa Economy & Business

Econographics

Jul 31, 2023

China isn’t the only Asian country expanding its trade with Africa

By Phillip Meng

When it comes to Asia-Africa trade, many think of China first. But Beijing is not the only country growing ties. South Korea has accelerated trade, investment, and development initiatives—expanding trading volumes significantly.

Africa China
VIDEO SHOWS: RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN SPEAKS AT RUSSIA-AFRICA FORUM AT ST. PETERSBURG, SAYING RUSSIA IS READY TO USE REGIONAL CURRENCIES FOR SETTLEMENTS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin seeks stronger ties in Africa as Wagner eyes Niger coup

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Russia-Africa Summit, he and his government are making moves to solidify regional cooperation. Amid this, Wagner seeks to capitalize on the coup in Niger.

Africa Belarus

Econographics

Jul 27, 2023

The G20 still hasn’t made a breakthrough on sovereign debt restructuring

By Hung Tran

The G20's recent meeting failed to make progress on sovereign debt restructuring, disappointing low and middle-income countries. Zambia's deal favored China's preferences, revealing the challenges in establishing an equitable framework for debt relief.

Africa China
Construction in downtown Cairo

Report

Jul 27, 2023

The North African complex: Regional players, global challenges

By Karim Mezran, Alessia Melcangi, Riccardo Fabiani, Sebastian Sons, Hisham Hellyer, Matteo Villa, Alissa Pavia

North Africa is, once again, the theatre of local and global challenges, which makes it a highly unstable regional complex. Unresolved crises like the ones in Libya and Western Sahara create obstacles to regional security, economic integration, and peaceful coexistence.

Middle East North & West Africa
Russian officers from the wagner group are seen around Central African president Faustin-Archange Touadera as they are part of the presidential security system during the referendum campaign to change the constitution and remove term limits, in Bangui, Central African Republic July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Leger Kokpakpa

New Atlanticist

Jul 20, 2023

Russian War Report: Wagner is still in business in Africa

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Despite their Russia-based forces being relocated to Belarus after their failed mutiny, Wagner Group is still alive and active in Africa, including ahead of a referendum in the Central African Republic.

Africa Belarus

UkraineAlert

Jul 20, 2023

“Pariah” Putin forced to cancel travel plans over fears of war crimes arrest

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin's pariah status has been confirmed after he was forced to cancel plans to attend a summit of BRICS leaders in South Africa over fears that he may be arrested for war crimes, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Human Rights

Experts

Events