Emilia Columbo is a senior associate (non-resident) to the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and vice president for analysis at VoxCroft Analytics. Prior to this position, she served as a senior analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, covering African and Latin American political-security issues. Ms. Columbo speaks professional-level Spanish and Portuguese. She has a master of science in foreign service from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Winning Cabo Delgado

The recent increase in violence in Cabo Delgado showcases the limits to a military-centric approach to the conflict in Mozambique and raises questions about what constitutes victory in this area of the country.

Commentary by Emilia Columbo — March 18, 2024

Evaluating Mozambique’s Security, Humanitarian, and Funding Landscape

The United States and international community needs to reevaluate funding and response models to mitigate Mozambique’s devolving security landscape, weakened humanitarian coordination, and low levels of trust between actors.

Commentary by Nicolas Jude Larnerd and Emilia Columbo — August 8, 2023

What Africa Experts Are Watching in 2023

To preview some of the top stories in 2023, the CSIS Africa Program presents its annual list of key countries and issues to watch this year.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Catherine Nzuki, William Mark Bellamy, Mimi Alemayehou, Maria E. Burnett, Emilia Columbo, Ryan Cummings, Cameron Hudson, and Laird Treiber — March 8, 2023

Enhancing Humanitarian Aid and Security in Northern Mozambique

Following a year of regional security force engagement, violence and mass displacement are again on the rise in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, generating unprecedented security and humanitarian needs requiring an immediate and sustained response.

Commentary by Sierra Ballard and Emilia Columbo — September 8, 2022

What to Watch in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022

The CSIS Africa Program previews some of the top stories and trends in the region for 2022.

Commentary by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, William Mark Bellamy, Hannah Ryder , Laird Treiber, Emilia Columbo, Will Brown, Rafiq Raji, Ryan Cummings, Maria E. Burnett, and Marielle Harris — January 20, 2022

Centering Civilian Protection in Northern Mozambique

Northern Mozambique’s humanitarian crisis continues to rapidly deteriorate. As foreign deployments commence, it is imperative that their mandates consider the fragile humanitarian situation on the ground and prioritize civilian protection.

Commentary by Emilia Columbo and Kelly Moss — July 21, 2021

Mozambique: The Problem with Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) Designations

The U.S. State Department recently applied a Foreign Terrorist Organization designation to a Mozambican extremist group. CSIS experts warn that the designation will hamper humanitarian efforts, complicate counterinsurgency strategies, and impede future DDR activities.

Critical Questions by Emilia Columbo, Jacob Kurtzer, and Judd Devermont — March 12, 2021