Commentaries
Congo crisis extends beyond ‘conflict minerals’
On Sunday night, the Congolese rebel group M23 and the Rwandan army invaded Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The fall of Goma […]
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
External publications
Peacekeeping armies: what are they, why do African states build them and what impact do they have?
Since 1948, more than two million uniformed peacekeepers have served in over 70 United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. They have come from over 120 UN member states. But a few […]
Commentaries
Elections in DRC’s Masi-Manimba: Battle of Honour for the Electoral Commission?
In December 2023, as part of the 2023 general elections in the DRCongo, elections were held in Masi-Manimba territory (to the East of Kinshasa) but were cancelled because of irregularities […]
Commentaries
Forbidden Targets: The Endangered Work of Humanitarians Protecting Civilians in Gaza
The protection of civilians in conflict is a pressing global issue and is closely linked to the safety and efforts of humanitarian workers. Recent journalistic, United Nations (UN), and NGO […]
What’s Wrong with the DRC Constitution?
Within the DRC a fierce debate is raging about President Tshisekedi’s ambition to modify or to replace the current constitution. But why? And why now? The arguments to justify the […]
A Break with the Past: The End of French Military Presence in Chad and Senegal
On the 28th of November, only a few hours after French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s visit to Chad, the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the end of the defence […]