Towards a Comprehensive Mining Strategy for the DRC?
Former Minister of Mining Willy Kitobo summarizes in a recent book what he considers to be the main problems of the DRC mining sector. He rightly underlines the largely insufficient […]
Africa
As a consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are seeing a renewed Global Powers competition and an increasingly acute energy crisis. These developments have put the African continent centre stage again in international relations. Understanding how political and security developments within Africa shape the continent, as well as its position on the international scene, is a core objective of the Africa Programme.
In line with this aim, we contribute to increased knowledge and shape policy debates on, and in, Africa by organising expert seminars and providing in-depth research on: military interventions and security collaborations; the politics of elections; peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts; the political economy of mining, and the development of women, peace and the security agenda, with a particular focus on the Great Lakes and the Sahel region.
Drawing on our own expertise, as well as a wide network of national and international research institutes, public authorities, and NGOs, makes the Africa Programme a central authority on matters related to Africa on a national, regional and global level.
Publications
Commentaries
Observateurs internationaux et élections en République Démocratique du Congo
Le 20 décembre 2023 les citoyens congolais ont voté pour désigner leur président ainsi que leurs représentants à l’Assemblée nationale, dans les assemblées provinciales, et dans les conseils municipaux. *****
External publications
Elections in the DRC: A Glass Half Full or Half Empty?
Organizing elections in Africa’s second largest country, with poor transport infrastructure, is a significant challenge, and given the current situation, it is likely the results will be disputed. The current […]
Commentaries
D-Day in Kinshasa
Today is voting day in Kinshasa. While it is very likely that incumbent President Tshisekedi will be proclaimed the winner, the question is at what cost. *****
Have African Coups provoked an Identity Crisis for the EU?
As Africa experiences a new coup wave establishing military governments across the continent, the EU grapples with fundamental questions about what direction to take. In the past three years several […]
Commentaries
Is the DR Congo a Lost Cause?
I stepped down as the UN Special Representative in the Congo a dozen years ago. My departure from the DRC coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Congo’s independence. *****