Africa Up Close

Outgoing Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete speaking at the Wilson Center on April 3, 2015. Photo by Kaveh Sardari for the Wilson Center.

Inclusive Governance and Leadership

What’s In It For Me? Personalities, Enticements, and Party Loyalties in Tanzania’s Election – Africa Research Institute
Oct 1

In what is likely to be Tanzania’s closest election since the return to democracy, neither the opposition nor ruling parties are addressing the country’s pressing issues. Africa Research Institute provides some important background on the election’s major players.

The Paradox at the Heart of Burkina’s Failed Coup – Africa Up Close
Oct 1

Was the coup in Burkina Faso the last, shuddering gasp of the Compaoré regime? It’s too soon to tell, but it certainly exposed some of the lingering fault lines in the country as well as the commitment of the supporters of the democratic transition, writes Wilson Center Scholar Brice Bado.

Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Curbing Violence in Nigeria (III): Revisiting the Niger Delta – International Crisis Group
Sep 29

Violence in the Niger Delta, one of the country’s other simmering trouble spots, looks likely to flare up again as a peace deal signed under Jonathan expires. Buhari, a northerner, will have to navigate a tricky situation without resorting to extensive and costly patronage, as his predecessor did.

Road to Redemption? Unmaking Nigeria’s Boko Haram – Irin News
Oct 1

Irin News with an impressive long read on what drives young men to join Boko Haram, and what, if anything, can bring them out of it. The author speaks with prisoners, victims, and the deradicalization teams working in Nigeria.

Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Development

The U.S. Africa-Leaders Summit One Year Later – Wilson Center On Demand Video
Sep 25

The historic U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit represented a turning point in U.S. engagement with the continent. A year later, scholars, policymakers, and business representatives discuss how far the U.S. has come, and how much more remains to be done. A video recap of the Wilson Center’s September 10th event.

Nigerian President to Become Oil Minister in New Cabinet – Reuters Africa
Sep 29

Nigeria’s Buhari, who has taken fire for not announcing his selection of ministers months after his win, has stated that he will keep the crucial oil portfolio under his personal control. He has vowed to clean up corruption and mismanagement in the oil industry of Africa’s largest producer.

Africa’s Strategic Role in the Global Arena

An Oil Dispute in Niger is Exposing Big Problems with Chinese Investment in Africa – Business Insider
Sept 30

China’s state oil company is playing hardball in an oil dispute in Niger. Falling oil prices are causing a rift in the business relationship between CNPC and the Nigerien government, and CNPC is holding up oil to squeeze the government. As Chinese businesses become major players across the continent, this example is worrying.

Timbuktu Mausoleum Destruction Suspect Appears at ICC – BBC News
Sep 30

In a major step for the ICC and international justice, a commander with the AQIM-affiliated militants that overran Timbuktu, Mali in 2012-2013 is standing trial, accused of destroying historical and religiously-significant buildings. This is the first time this charge has been brought before the Hague.