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United States Institute of Peace

Central Africa

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Central Africa has experienced cycles of violent conflict and political instability fueled by weak governance, economic fragility and competition over natural resources. Despite some periods of relative stability and growth, newer conflicts may rapidly spread due to the region’s inter-connectedness, contributing to displacement across borders. Since 2015, the U.S. Institute of Peace has worked to prevent the spread of conflict, curb atrocities and improve stability amid the rising influence of great powers, protracted insurgencies and threats from extremist groups. USIP’s work in Central Africa includes training mediators to broker peace deals, supporting peaceful transitions to civilian rule, and convening American and regional officials and business leaders to advance security, investment and trade.

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Joseph Sany on the Rwanda-DRC Conflict and the Risk of Regional War

Joseph Sany on the Rwanda-DRC Conflict and the Risk of Regional War

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

By: Joseph Sany, Ph.D.

After decades of poor governance, ethnic tensions and illegal resource exploitation in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwandan-backed rebels’ capture of Goma “has the potential to bring … seven countries into [the] conflict” and ignite a wider regional war, says USIP’s Joseph Sany.

Type: Podcast

A DRC-Rwanda Truce is Key for African and U.S. Interests — Here’s How to Get There

A DRC-Rwanda Truce is Key for African and U.S. Interests — Here’s How to Get There

Thursday, February 6, 2025

By: Cecily Brewer;  Thomas P. Sheehy

On January 27, Rwandan-backed rebels known as  M23 captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite the presence of U.N. peacekeeping force, defense forces from other African countries, local militias, and European mercenaries hired to block its advance. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in M23’s advance into Goma, including the provincial military governor. Roughly 500,000 people fled their homes, adding to the more than two million people displaced by the long-standing conflict.

Type: Question and Answer

The Lobito Corridor: A U.S. Bet on Africa’s Critical Mineral Development

The Lobito Corridor: A U.S. Bet on Africa’s Critical Mineral Development

Thursday, August 8, 2024

By: Thomas P. Sheehy

Demand for critical minerals is expected to skyrocket in the decades ahead. These minerals — such as copper, cobalt and lithium, among others — power the electronics we use every day and are essential for transitioning to greener energy technologies. The U.S. is increasingly working with African partners to develop the continent’s abundant critical minerals, an effort that is vital to advancing U.S. economic and national security interests. It also will have major implications for African countries: How these critical minerals are developed will significantly impact the continent’s economic future and beyond, even affecting peace and stability. This increasing U.S. policy focus comes against the backdrop of intensifying U.S. geopolitical competition with China, which dominates many African mining sectors.

Type: Analysis

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