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Africa in the Wider World Summary

Core Content

This document, Africa in the Wider World, is a report by the CSIS Africa Program, edited by Richard Downie, published in July 2014. It provides an overview of various aspects of Africa's engagement with the global community, including security, health, trade, and regional relations. The report is structured into 13 chapters, each addressing different facets of Africa's development and challenges, with a particular focus on the evolving security landscape.

Main Views

1. Economic Growth and Investment

• Africa has experienced robust economic growth since 2002, outpacing East and South Asia.
• Factors contributing to this growth include rising commodity prices, new resource discoveries, improved infrastructure, a telecoms boom, and the emergence of a new middle class.
• This growth has sparked significant investor interest and is seen as a major opportunity for development.

2. Security Challenges

• Despite economic progress, Africa faces a rise in political violence, particularly from nonstate actors.
• Violent nonstate actors (rebel groups, insurgents, jihadists) are increasingly better armed, more mobile, and better networked than government forces.
• Examples include the ongoing civil war in South Sudan, the collapse of the Central African Republic's government, and the persistent threat of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

3. Security Sector Reform (SSR)

• Many African governments have failed to align their security forces with the actual threats they face.
• African militaries and police often prioritize regime protection and public order over civilian protection.
• This has led to a lack of effectiveness in countering insurgencies and terrorism, with security forces sometimes becoming sources of fear and distrust.

4. U.S. Role in African Security

• The U.S. has long supported building African military capabilities through low-cost and small-footprint operations.
• AFRICOM, based in Djibouti, has focused on training African militaries and has provided support in various operations.
• The U.S. has also shared intelligence with African and European partners to combat groups like Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
• Despite increased investment, the U.S. maintains a policy of not engaging in direct combat roles, except for brief interventions when U.S. lives or interests are at risk.

5. Regional and International Cooperation

• The African Union (AU) has called for greater African intervention capabilities, but its progress has been slow.
• In cases like Somalia and the Central African Republic, only external interventions (e.g., by France) have prevented state collapse.
• The AU's regional intervention brigades are years behind schedule in being established.

Key Information

• Africa's economic growth is a major positive trend, but it has not translated into improved security outcomes.
• Security sector reform is crucial for addressing the growing threat from nonstate actors.
• U.S. involvement in African security has increased, with a focus on training and support rather than direct combat.
• Regional cooperation is essential, but many African states are not adequately prepared or willing to engage in collective security efforts.
• Civilian protection remains a secondary mission for most African security forces, leading to public distrust and reduced effectiveness.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes that while Africa's economic development is promising, the continent's security challenges are becoming more complex and severe. The lack of reform in African security institutions hinders their ability to respond effectively to modern threats. The U.S. continues to play a supportive role, but long-term solutions require African governments to prioritize civilian protection and undertake necessary institutional reforms.