Southern Africa Archive

There have been many diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian war, and few if any are worth commemorating. But this week brings the second anniversary of one attempt that, despite making no difference on the ground, offered some evidence of how the international system is evolving. On Aug. 3, 2011, the Security Council agreed a statement calling for an immediate halt to violence in Syria. This was the council’s first significant declaration on the already six-month-old crisis. But it was also notable because of the three countries that championed it: Brazil, India and South Africa, all temporary members of the […]

In Mozambique, the Renamo opposition party has put increasing pressure on the Frelimo ruling party, raising concerns of a return to the violence that characterized the country’s 16-year civil war after the former rebel group was blamed for attacks that killed two people last week. “Renamo is increasingly marginalized, and I think Afonso Dhlakama concluded that only through targeted violence can he strengthen his negotiating hand,” Alex Vines, head of the Africa Program at Chatham House, told Trend Lines in an email interview. “This is a high risk strategy, open to miscalculation.” Dhlakama, who leads Renamo, has operated from the […]

Spanning only three countries, U.S. President Barack Obama’s recently concluded trip to Africa was revealing for the number of issues and countries it did not touch on. From growing subregional economic integration, to security and postconflict reconciliation, to deeply problematic governance challenges, this WPR special report reviews a broad range of Africa’s many policy challenges. U.S. and Africa For U.S. in Africa, Benign Neglect No Longer an OptionBy Richard DownieJanuary 8, 2013U.S. Shouldn’t Overcommit to African SecurityBy Steven MetzMay 1, 2013 U.S. Must Strike Difficult Balance on West Africa’s Terrorist ThreatBy Alex ThurstonJune 17, 2013 Walking the Line: U.S. Security […]