North and West Africa

North and West Africa encompasses a geographically diverse expanse from Morocco to Nigeria, and from the Sahel to the Atlantic coast. The region is home to renowned African civilizations while indelibly tied to Arab empires and European colonization. Countries in the region have pursued new cooperation economically and in counterterrorism efforts. Security remains a burden for many, but the region has also produced some of Africa’s most compelling democratic success stories in recent years.   

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Content

AfricaSource

Feb 24, 2026

In Guinea, the US has a rare opportunity to gain an edge over China

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

Guinea’s democratic transition and mineral riches put it center stage in US-China competition. The United States now has a rare chance to align investment, security, and governance to secure strategic influence in West Africa.

Critical Minerals North & West Africa

AfricaSource

Feb 23, 2026

The Sahel’s most acute crisis is unfolding in Burkina Faso

By Jordanna Yochai

While Mali draws headlines, Burkina Faso has become the Sahel’s true epicenter of extremist violence. As insecurity spreads, President Ibrahim Traoré has tightened his grip on power—

English Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Feb 19, 2026

As Russian battlefield losses mount, Putin is turning to Africa for soldiers

By Katherine Spencer

Russia’s growing reliance on African recruits to continue the war in Ukraine is a powerful symbol of an invasion that has gone horribly wrong for Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin, writes Katherine Spencer.

Africa Conflict

AfricaSource

Feb 4, 2026

The United States and Nigeria must rebuild their engagement architecture for a new global era

By Gbemisola Abudu

The diplomatic tools currently available to the United States and Nigeria are intended for episodic and sector-specific engagement, holding back the relationship's potential.

Nigeria Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

Jan 15, 2026

The US is reengaging with Libya—and it’s the right call

By Rose Keravuori, Maureen Farrell

If the United States seeks stability in the Mediterranean and credible alternatives to Russian energy, now is the time to make coordinated security and economic investments in Libya.

North & West Africa Oil and Gas

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2025

To curb violence in Nigeria, the US should offer Abuja carrots, not sticks

By Haleigh Bartos, John Chin, and Julien Derroitte

If the Trump administration wants to help Nigeria address violence and terrorism, it should offer the country incentives, not threaten punitive actions against it.

Conflict Extremism

MENASource

Nov 25, 2025

Mali is at a turning point that risks a ‘disastrous domino effect’

By Haleigh Bartos and John Chin

A JNIM seizure of power, though less likely, is possible—and threatens to turn Mali into Africa’s Afghanistan.

Africa North & West Africa

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Why Ankara’s rising power in the Sahel could benefit the West

By Alp Ozen, Haley Nelson

Turkey offers a rare channel in the Sahel that the West could use to recalibrate its approach to the region.

Africa Energy & Environment

In the News

Nov 17, 2025

Charai for Newsmax: Trump Only Leader Who Can End Genocide of Christians in Africa

By Atlantic Council

Africa Human Rights

MENASource

Nov 14, 2025

The UN’s Western Sahara vote marks a diplomatic ‘Green March’

By Sarah Zaaimi

Morocco's autonomy plan lays the foundation for resolution for the Sahrawi people, after fifty years of rivalry between Morocco and Algeria.

Human Rights International Organizations
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Experts

Fellow

Andrew G. Farrand

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Fellow

Ernst Jan Hogendoorn

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa East Africa

Fellow

Aubrey Hruby

Senior Advisor

Africa Center

Economy & Business

Fellow

<strong>Khémaies </strong>Jhinaoui

Distinguished Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Fellow

Rose Keravuori

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Defense Policy

Fellow

Peter Mandaville

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity
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