Commentaries
The Danger of Simplifying Sudan’s War
The mass atrocities in El Fasher marked a turning point in the international perception of the war in Sudan and translated into policy action: in a parliamentary resolution, the Belgian […]
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
The Washington Agreements: Peace for Business is not Enough
“I actually stopped the war with Congo and Rwanda and they said please please we would love you to come and take our minerals – which we’ll do.” 09 12 […]
Will Uganda’s ‘Open-Door’ Refugee Policy Hold? Aid Cuts and Rising Anti-Immigration Sentiments
Uganda has long been praised for its progressive refugee policy. Whereas many countries close borders or confine refugees to camps, Uganda operates what is often described as an ‘open-door policy’ […]
Commentaries
Belgian Defense Going Tropical: A Return in Focus to Africa
Twenty-eight Belgian paratroopers are jumping in a static line down on a small Gabonese island just outside of the capital Libreville, while para commandos are jumping out of three zodiac […]
From the Donbas to Africa: How Returning Fighters Could Fuel a New Mercenary Wave
What will happen to the thousands of militaries involved in the war between Russia and Ukraine once the war is over? Hundreds of thousands of battle-hardened soldiers from Russia’s full-scale […]
The Middle East and Central Asia now bound to the US by the Abrahamic Accords: Is Syria the US’ new backyard?
An overarching geopolitical question crossed my Byzantine mind as I methodically contemplated, across continents, the overlay of maps, with newly concluded treaties on the one hand, and geopolitical moves on […]