Africa Center for Strategic Studies
@africacenter.bsky.social
Advancing African security by expanding understanding, providing a trusted platform for dialogue, building partnerships, and catalyzing solutions
As a result of the rapid deterioration of security in the Sahel and recent advanced by al Shabaab in Somalia, the two regions have now seen more fatalities linked to militant Islamist groups over the past decade than any other region.
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
January 23, 2026 at 11:25 PM
As a result of the rapid deterioration of security in the Sahel and recent advanced by al Shabaab in Somalia, the two regions have now seen more fatalities linked to militant Islamist groups over the past decade than any other region.
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮'𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Africa will hold 11 presidential elections in 2026, with important security implications for the continent.
Our preview unpacks key themes and dynamics in each:
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
Africa will hold 11 presidential elections in 2026, with important security implications for the continent.
Our preview unpacks key themes and dynamics in each:
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
Africa’s 2026 Elections: Navigating Complexity to Deliver for Citizens
Africans face a complex electoral landscape in 2026, including conflicts, entrenched incumbents, and external actor influences.
africacenter.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:08 PM
𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮'𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Africa will hold 11 presidential elections in 2026, with important security implications for the continent.
Our preview unpacks key themes and dynamics in each:
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
Africa will hold 11 presidential elections in 2026, with important security implications for the continent.
Our preview unpacks key themes and dynamics in each:
africacenter.org/spotlight/en...
Africa's relationship with China is shifting from a focus on aid and infrastructure toward a more balanced partnership.
Our interview with Ambassador Fred Ngoga unpacks African perspectives and strategic trade-offs in Africa-China relations in 2026.
africacenter.org/spo...
Our interview with Ambassador Fred Ngoga unpacks African perspectives and strategic trade-offs in Africa-China relations in 2026.
africacenter.org/spo...
January 19, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Africa's relationship with China is shifting from a focus on aid and infrastructure toward a more balanced partnership.
Our interview with Ambassador Fred Ngoga unpacks African perspectives and strategic trade-offs in Africa-China relations in 2026.
africacenter.org/spo...
Our interview with Ambassador Fred Ngoga unpacks African perspectives and strategic trade-offs in Africa-China relations in 2026.
africacenter.org/spo...
African countries seek to rebalance their ties with China toward debt sustainability, value addition, and industrialization to move toward a more equal and transparent partnership that prioritizes long-term African development.
What to Expect from Africa-China Relations in 2026
Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo Member Wang Yi’s annual inaugural visit to Africa in January sets the tone
africacenter.org
January 18, 2026 at 6:27 PM
African countries seek to rebalance their ties with China toward debt sustainability, value addition, and industrialization to move toward a more equal and transparent partnership that prioritizes long-term African development.
Africa’s reliance on foreign suppliers for the continent’s technology infrastructure is widely seen as a major cybersecurity vulnerability. This spotlight looks at how Africans can reap benefits from externally supplied technology while safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Demystifying External Actor Influence in Africa’s Technology Sector
African countries should prioritize cybersecurity, diversity, and competition within the tech sector.
africacenter.org
January 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Africa’s reliance on foreign suppliers for the continent’s technology infrastructure is widely seen as a major cybersecurity vulnerability. This spotlight looks at how Africans can reap benefits from externally supplied technology while safeguarding critical infrastructure.
From today's Africa Media Review: "A senior member of the Ugandan opposition told AFP on Friday that security forces stormed his home the previous day as the country held elections, shooting dead 10 members of his campaign team."
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Africa Media Review for January 16, 2026
Daily Media Review: News relevant to security in Africa, from the United States, Europe, and Africa, distributed every morning.
africacenter.org
January 16, 2026 at 2:35 PM
From today's Africa Media Review: "A senior member of the Ugandan opposition told AFP on Friday that security forces stormed his home the previous day as the country held elections, shooting dead 10 members of his campaign team."
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One key issue to watch after Uganda's polls close is transparency in counting. In 2021, the Electoral Commission announced results by region instead of by polling station as required by law, limiting independent validation and damaging popular trust.
Uganda: Museveni Seeks Seventh Term in Climate of Growing Electoral Violence
Uganda’s 2026 elections test whether youth demands can overcome violent repression under long-entrenched rule.
africacenter.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:00 PM
One key issue to watch after Uganda's polls close is transparency in counting. In 2021, the Electoral Commission announced results by region instead of by polling station as required by law, limiting independent validation and damaging popular trust.
Uganda’s electoral landscape is dominated by a young electorate seeking economic and democratic reforms. Roughly 33 million of Uganda’s 46 million citizens are under 30, and while overall unemployment is about 12.6%; youth unemployment is around 43%.
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January 15, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Uganda’s electoral landscape is dominated by a young electorate seeking economic and democratic reforms. Roughly 33 million of Uganda’s 46 million citizens are under 30, and while overall unemployment is about 12.6%; youth unemployment is around 43%.
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This Thursday, January 15, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is seeking his seventh term in office in the first presidential election of Africa’s 2026 calendar. The election is in many ways a microcosm of the crosscurrents shaping the political space in Africa.
Uganda: Museveni Seeks Seventh Term in Climate of Growing Electoral Violence
Uganda’s 2026 elections test whether youth demands can overcome violent repression under long-entrenched rule.
africacenter.org
January 15, 2026 at 12:06 PM
This Thursday, January 15, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is seeking his seventh term in office in the first presidential election of Africa’s 2026 calendar. The election is in many ways a microcosm of the crosscurrents shaping the political space in Africa.
African governments have long used the pretext of security to restrict digital communications and citizens’ rights. But digital repression, in addition to being harmful, has proved ineffective in addressing the continent’s security challenges.
Deluge of Digital Repression Threatens African Security
African governments are using the pretext of security to restrict digital communications and citizens’ rights. In the process, they are inadvertently contributing to economic losses and greater instability.
africacenter.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 PM
African governments have long used the pretext of security to restrict digital communications and citizens’ rights. But digital repression, in addition to being harmful, has proved ineffective in addressing the continent’s security challenges.
Africa’s 2026 elections must navigate a diverse array of complexities from conflicts to entrenched incumbents, growing youth restlessness, and external actor influences for citizens to be heard.
Read about them all here:
africacenter.org/spo...
Read about them all here:
africacenter.org/spo...
January 14, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Africa’s 2026 elections must navigate a diverse array of complexities from conflicts to entrenched incumbents, growing youth restlessness, and external actor influences for citizens to be heard.
Read about them all here:
africacenter.org/spo...
Read about them all here:
africacenter.org/spo...
Al Shabaab poses a serious threat of taking Mogadishu—largely due to a breakdown in political cooperation between federal and state authorities.
Our latest Africa Security Brief breaks down the situation and looks at paths forward:
africacenter.org/pub...
Our latest Africa Security Brief breaks down the situation and looks at paths forward:
africacenter.org/pub...
January 12, 2026 at 12:22 PM
Al Shabaab poses a serious threat of taking Mogadishu—largely due to a breakdown in political cooperation between federal and state authorities.
Our latest Africa Security Brief breaks down the situation and looks at paths forward:
africacenter.org/pub...
Our latest Africa Security Brief breaks down the situation and looks at paths forward:
africacenter.org/pub...
China has gained a dominant position in Africa’s critical minerals sector through long-term investments in mining and refining capacity—factors that make it challenging for African countries to advance up the value chain.
China’s Critical Minerals Strategy in Africa
China has gained a dominant position in Africa’s critical minerals sector through long-term investments in mining and refining capacity.
africacenter.org
January 11, 2026 at 12:46 PM
China has gained a dominant position in Africa’s critical minerals sector through long-term investments in mining and refining capacity—factors that make it challenging for African countries to advance up the value chain.
Ne commencez pas l'année 2026 sans une solide compréhension des principales tendances sécuritaires en Afrique. Voici 23 graphiques qui illustrent les conflits régionalisés, les prises de pouvoir, les interventions extérieures, les pressions démographiques et bien plus encore:
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January 10, 2026 at 10:42 AM
Ne commencez pas l'année 2026 sans une solide compréhension des principales tendances sécuritaires en Afrique. Voici 23 graphiques qui illustrent les conflits régionalisés, les prises de pouvoir, les interventions extérieures, les pressions démographiques et bien plus encore:
africacenter.org/fr/...
africacenter.org/fr/...
Africa’s 2026 election calendar kicks off next week in Uganda.
Despite intimidation and violence, opponents continue to contest presidential and legislative races, channeling popular demands for more jobs, freedoms, and transparency.
Despite intimidation and violence, opponents continue to contest presidential and legislative races, channeling popular demands for more jobs, freedoms, and transparency.
Uganda: Museveni Seeks Seventh Term in Climate of Growing Electoral Violence
Despite high levels of intimidation and violence, opposition candidates in Uganda continue to contest presidential and legislative elections
africacenter.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Africa’s 2026 election calendar kicks off next week in Uganda.
Despite intimidation and violence, opponents continue to contest presidential and legislative races, channeling popular demands for more jobs, freedoms, and transparency.
Despite intimidation and violence, opponents continue to contest presidential and legislative races, channeling popular demands for more jobs, freedoms, and transparency.
La Chine a acquis une position dominante dans le secteur des minéraux critiques en Afrique grâce à des investissements à long terme dans les capacités d'extraction et de raffinage, ce qui rend difficile pour les pays africains de progresser dans la chaîne de valeur.
La stratégie chinoise en matière de minéraux critiques en Afrique
La Chine a acquis une position dominante dans le secteur des minéraux critiques en Afrique grâce à des investissements à long terme dans les capacités d'extraction et de raffinage, ce qui rend difficile pour les pays africains de progresser dans la chaîne de valeur.
africacenter.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:19 AM
La Chine a acquis une position dominante dans le secteur des minéraux critiques en Afrique grâce à des investissements à long terme dans les capacités d'extraction et de raffinage, ce qui rend difficile pour les pays africains de progresser dans la chaîne de valeur.
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#10: The African Union made significant partial progress on its Agenda 2063 for an integrated, prosperous, democratic, and secure Africa.
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#10: The African Union made significant partial progress on its Agenda 2063 for an integrated, prosperous, democratic, and secure Africa.
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January 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#10: The African Union made significant partial progress on its Agenda 2063 for an integrated, prosperous, democratic, and secure Africa.
africacenter.org/spo...
#10: The African Union made significant partial progress on its Agenda 2063 for an integrated, prosperous, democratic, and secure Africa.
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Malgré un niveau élevé d’intimidation et de violence, les candidats de l’opposition ougandaise continuent de se présenter aux élections, relayant les revendications de la jeunesse ougandaise qui réclame davantage d’emplois, de libertés et de transparence.
Ouganda : Museveni brigue un septième mandat dans un climat de violence électorale croissante
Malgré un niveau élevé d’intimidation et de violence, les candidats de l’opposition ougandaise continuent de se présenter aux élections présidentielles et législatives.
africacenter.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Malgré un niveau élevé d’intimidation et de violence, les candidats de l’opposition ougandaise continuent de se présenter aux élections, relayant les revendications de la jeunesse ougandaise qui réclame davantage d’emplois, de libertés et de transparence.
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#9: Africa is the world’s fastest urbanizing region. Its rate of urban expansion is unprecedented in human history, and portends fundamental shifts in security requirements.
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#9: Africa is the world’s fastest urbanizing region. Its rate of urban expansion is unprecedented in human history, and portends fundamental shifts in security requirements.
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January 7, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#9: Africa is the world’s fastest urbanizing region. Its rate of urban expansion is unprecedented in human history, and portends fundamental shifts in security requirements.
africacenter.org/spo...
#9: Africa is the world’s fastest urbanizing region. Its rate of urban expansion is unprecedented in human history, and portends fundamental shifts in security requirements.
africacenter.org/spo...
La résistance persistante au partage du pouvoir entre le gouvernement fédéral et les gouvernements régionaux de Somalie a conduit Al-Shabaab au bord du précipice, prêt à prendre Mogadiscio et à aggraver la menace des djihadistes internationaux.
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January 7, 2026 at 10:46 AM
La résistance persistante au partage du pouvoir entre le gouvernement fédéral et les gouvernements régionaux de Somalie a conduit Al-Shabaab au bord du précipice, prêt à prendre Mogadiscio et à aggraver la menace des djihadistes internationaux.
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africacenter.org/fr/...
Uhusiano maalum wa Afrika na India unatoa msingi wa ushirikiano wenye manufaa na endelevu unaojengwa juu ya uwakala wa Afrika na kujenga uwezo.
Ushirikiano wa Afrika na India Unaweka Kigezo cha Ushirikiano
English | French | Kiswahili Tazama machapisho yetu ya hivi punde zaidi katika Kiswahili. Maafisa wa Ulinzi wa India wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na wajum
africacenter.org
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Uhusiano maalum wa Afrika na India unatoa msingi wa ushirikiano wenye manufaa na endelevu unaojengwa juu ya uwakala wa Afrika na kujenga uwezo.
Malgré un niveau élevé d’intimidation et de violence, les candidats de l’opposition ougandaise continuent de se présenter aux élections, relayant les revendications de la jeunesse ougandaise qui réclame davantage d’emplois, de libertés et de transparence.
africacenter.org/fr/...
africacenter.org/fr/...
January 6, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Malgré un niveau élevé d’intimidation et de violence, les candidats de l’opposition ougandaise continuent de se présenter aux élections, relayant les revendications de la jeunesse ougandaise qui réclame davantage d’emplois, de libertés et de transparence.
africacenter.org/fr/...
africacenter.org/fr/...
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#8: The proliferation of drones is reshaping the battlespace in Africa’s armed conflicts. Drones effectively provide the capabilities of a small air force, dramatically expanding the reach of armed combatants.
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#8: The proliferation of drones is reshaping the battlespace in Africa’s armed conflicts. Drones effectively provide the capabilities of a small air force, dramatically expanding the reach of armed combatants.
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January 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#8: The proliferation of drones is reshaping the battlespace in Africa’s armed conflicts. Drones effectively provide the capabilities of a small air force, dramatically expanding the reach of armed combatants.
africacenter.org/spo...
#8: The proliferation of drones is reshaping the battlespace in Africa’s armed conflicts. Drones effectively provide the capabilities of a small air force, dramatically expanding the reach of armed combatants.
africacenter.org/spo...
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#7 Nigeria faced a diverse array of security threats in 2025, including kidnappings for ransom, Islamist violence, farmer-herder violence, a separatist movement, and piracy.
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#7 Nigeria faced a diverse array of security threats in 2025, including kidnappings for ransom, Islamist violence, farmer-herder violence, a separatist movement, and piracy.
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January 5, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#7 Nigeria faced a diverse array of security threats in 2025, including kidnappings for ransom, Islamist violence, farmer-herder violence, a separatist movement, and piracy.
africacenter.org/spo...
#7 Nigeria faced a diverse array of security threats in 2025, including kidnappings for ransom, Islamist violence, farmer-herder violence, a separatist movement, and piracy.
africacenter.org/spo...
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#6 The DRC crisis is complex, with contentious issues surrounding regional rivalries, natural resources, nationality and citizenship, government legitimacy, use of mercenaries, and predatory behavior by the armed forces.
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#6 The DRC crisis is complex, with contentious issues surrounding regional rivalries, natural resources, nationality and citizenship, government legitimacy, use of mercenaries, and predatory behavior by the armed forces.
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January 4, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Ten African Security Trends from 2025 in Graphics
#6 The DRC crisis is complex, with contentious issues surrounding regional rivalries, natural resources, nationality and citizenship, government legitimacy, use of mercenaries, and predatory behavior by the armed forces.
africacenter.org/spo...
#6 The DRC crisis is complex, with contentious issues surrounding regional rivalries, natural resources, nationality and citizenship, government legitimacy, use of mercenaries, and predatory behavior by the armed forces.
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