Trends in Democratization in Sub-Saharan Africa
In a new report, the National Intelligence Council (NIC) assesses that a divide between African elites tightening their grip on power, and the African public demanding more political participation and accountable governance, will create volatility throughout Sub-Saharan Africa in the years to come.
As many Western states have pulled back from the democracy and governance space while retaining their focus on security matters, African leaders have been able to capitalize on increased Western security assistance, especially in counterterrorism, to close political space and consolidate power. At the same time, the West faces pressure from African publics to act as a referee between them and their governments, which opens up a window of opportunity for the international community to shape the governance landscape in Africa.
This report is part of the NIC’s Global Trends project, which is an unclassified strategic assessment of how key trends and uncertainties might shape the world over the next 20 years, and helps senior U.S. leaders think and plan for the longer term. This discussion will help identify and frame key topics in governance and democracy in sub-Saharan Africa that the NIC might explore in their next edition of Global Trends.
Please join us on May 23rd to discuss this timely report on democracy in Africa.
This event was made possible by general support to CSIS.
