Violent Actors and Transformation of Conflict

• Gerrit Kurtz
• Wolfram Lacher
• Denis M. Tull

The Myth of the Gamechanger: Drones and Military Power in Africa

Advanced combat drones are increasingly used in conflicts in Africa. This analysis of the conflicts in Mali, Chad and Sudan shows, their potential to shift the balance of military power between state forces and insurgents depends on symmetrical access to technology, type of warfare and topography.

doi:10.18449/2025MTA-PB33

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• Lisa Tschörner

Dialogue with Jihadists in Niger: Potentials, Limits, Failure

• German

Besides military operations, Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum (2021–2023) used dialogue to address jihadist violence. However, the fragmentation and commercialisation of initiatives and a lack of coordination between civil and military measures hindered the promotion of sustainable peace. 

doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB31

• Download (PDF) | 320 KB

• Nancy Rushohora

German Colonialism in Southern Tanzania: Transgenerational Impacts on Resource-Induced Conflicts

• German

Colonialism has enduring effects on Africa’s socio-economic development and political stability. Nancy Rushohora explains how in Tanzania, German rule introduced exploitative economic practices and arbitrary political structures both with transgenerational impact on affected local communities.

• Denis M. Tull

Côte d’Ivoire’s Containment of Jihadist Threats: A Provisional Success?

• German

Jihadist violence has spread from the Sahel to some – but not all – of the coastal countries of West Africa. While Togo and Benin are increasingly affected by attacks, the opposite is true of Côte d’Ivoire (and Ghana). But the Ivorian success stands on shaky foundations, as Denis Tull explains.

• Lisa Tschörner

Came to Stay: Niger’s Military Junta Consolidates its Power

• German

One year after the coup, the Nigerien military junta is firmly in the saddle. In this Spotlight, Lisa Tschörner explains how the new rulers are mobilizing the population, staging a successful defence against threats, and expanding partnerships with authoritarian states in order to secure their power.  

• Gerrit Kurtz

How (Not) to Talk About the War in Sudan

• German

Reporting about the war in Sudan is clouded by three oversimplified narratives – “forgotten conflict”, “war of two generals” and the “proxy war” classification. Gerrit Kurtz (SWP) calls for a more nuanced phrasing by journalists and policymakers.