Africa
Surge of Piracy amid Coronavirus Outbreak
The last quarterly report from the International Maritime Bureau shows the negative effects of the Covid-19 on maritime security. There tend to be significant upswings of piracy during times of economic downturn, and the economic devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic is largely to blame for the resurgence of this global menace.
African Continent: Challenges of Climate and Demographic Changes
Impacts of climate change and growing population, as well as the threats to human development – such as poverty, crime and health – could lead to insecurity and instability in African countries.
Future of USAFRICOM: Economics over security
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo finally made his first visit to the African continent – some 18 months after taking up his position as head of the State Department. Considering the Trump administration’s obsession with tackling radical Islamist terrorism, the delay in visiting key African partners should raise questions about the US commitment to fighting the various ongoing insurgencies in the sub-Saharan Africa region.
Cameroon: Conflict Continues in Lead-up to Elections
On February 7th, parliamentary elections will be held in Cameroon, a nation plagued by internal conflict for the last four year. The prospect of elections has seen a ramping up of tensions, with a significant increase in violence from both the separatists in the country’s west and government forces.
South Africa: Attempts at Continental Diplomacy
Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is seeking to regain the respect and authority it held in its early years of democracy.
The Shifting Threat Matrix in West Africa
In recent years, West Africa has been considered a relative oasis of stability in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the region faces a multitude of threats that could spell a new era of insecurity.
Ethiopia’s critical juncture: Ethnic tensions and liberal transition
After a failed coup in June, ethnic violence and repression are on the rise in Ethiopia.
Cameroon: A House Divided
Conflict has riddled Cameroon for the last two and a half years. Over this period, the government has continued to battle Boko Haram in the North. It has also focused on cracking down on Anglophone separatists in the West.
Burkina Faso: Front-line against Jihadism in West Africa
Burkina Faso’s strategic geographical position makes it crucial in the fight against extremism in West Africa, but the country is failing to contain the threat. Despite coordinated efforts, national and regional forces have been unable to counter the expansion of jihadist groups towards the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin and Togo.
Liberia: Mounting Political Tensions in a Fragile Context
Economic slowdown is sparking protests against the Liberian president, George Weah, one year after the departure of the UN peacekeeping mission. Despite its nominal success, the international community has failed to address the root causes of conflict, and mounting political tensions could reinstigate violence in the country.
