Returnees in the Maghreb. A European perspective
More than 10,000 individuals travelled from Europe and North Africa to fight in Syria and Iraq. Now, Europe and North Africa are dealing with the challenge of returning foreign fighters, […]
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
Challenges of radicalisation in prison
On 12 November, the UN Security Council organised an Arria meeting on the challenges of radicalisation in prison. Our Senior Fellow Thomas Renard was invited to share his academic expertise […]
Commentaries
Zijn we de greep op terugkeerders kwijt?
Europa kan zijn Syriëgangers niet langer negeren. Een ‘gecontroleerde’ repatriëring lijkt de minst slechte optie, vinden Rik Coolsaet et Thomas Renard. This article was first published in De standaard.
Securing legitimate stability in the DRC: External assumptions and local perspectives
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is undergoing its first peaceful transfer of power at the same time as a strategic review of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in […]
New figures on European nationals detained in Syria and Iraq
In the context of the Turkish military offensive in northern Syria, and the resulting insecurity and instability in the various camps and prisons where ISIS foreign fighters are being held, […]
Burundi on the brink again? Identifying risks before the 2020 elections
In less than a year Burundi will hold its first elections since the 2015 political crisis was triggered by the president’s bid for a third term. Almost five years after […]