Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Encyclopedia
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
The formation of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) began in 1994, when U.S. European Command (EUCOM) petitioned the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee to create a Center on African Affairs that emulated the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
(GCMC). Following this, in March 1998, President Bill Clinton made the first major trip to sub-Saharan Africa by a U.S. president in over 20 years. While there, he discussed promoting a U.S.-Africa partnership for the twenty-first century based on mutual respect and mutual interest, and mentioned the establishment of a center for Africa. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Susan Rice later explained that this center would “provide a forum for senior military and civilian officials to explore together complex defense policy issues and provide training to strengthen civil-military relations in burgeoning democracies.”
In March 1999, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies was formally established. In 2004, the Center relocated to the campus of the Department of Defense’s National Defense University
at Fort Lesley J. McNair
, Washington, D.C., where it is one of five regional centers. In 2007, ACSS began a working partnership with the recently established U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
ACSS is dedicated to promoting good governance and democratic values in the defense and security sectors around the globe, and to establishing long-term active communications with African leaders across the continent. The Africa Center aims to do this through a comprehensive program of seminars, symposia, conferences, research and other academic programs; and through a range of outreach activities in Africa and in the U.S.
.
In order to advance security cooperation in Africa, ACSS's stated goals are:
ACSS's region of engagement includes all African countries. However, engagement with Algeria
, Egypt
, Libya
, Mauritania
, Morocco
, and Tunisia
is shared with the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies
. Since ACSS is based in Washington, DC, the Center also engages local Africa specialists.
The goal of the ACSS Regional Offices is to establish a long-term and visible Africa Center presence on the continent. Specifically, the Regional Offices help aim to strengthen relationships with African governments, international organizations, the African Union and sub-regional organizations, and other partner institutions across the continent. The Regional Offices build outreach programs and provide support for ACSS Community Members and organized Community Chapters. They plan and execute ACSS activities in support of ACSS headquarters and host governments. In addition, the Regional Offices foster strong working ties with African defense, military, and civic leaders to advance common policy objectives.
East Africa Regional Office (EARO)
Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, EARO promotes bilateral dialogue through continuous engagement with the African Union
(AU), the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development, the European Union, African Military Attachés Association, EASBRIG, African Standby Forces, and the U.S. Mission to the AU. EARO also maintains and expands ACSS alumni networks and community chapters. Of these, the International Alumni Chapter plays a critical role in advancing the policy dialogue on China’s role in Africa, the referendum in Southern Sudan, and ongoing instability in Somalia and Eritrea. The East Africa office will work with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa to support future forums at Camp Lemonnier on issues of regional importance.
Regional Office for West Africa (ROWA)
Based in Dakar, Senegal, ROWA develops outreach strategies and proposals to address issues such as security sector governance and civil-military relations both at national and regional levels. Following a West Africa counter-narcotics workshop, ROWA provided regional expertise for ministerial-level dialogue on the subject and helped forge regional partnerships around the conclusions of the workshop. Other ROWA projects examine the opportunities and challenges facing the armed forces in developing policies, allocating resources, and creating structures to better integrate women in the Senegalese armed forces. ROWA also collaborates with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) by helping to develop content on the dynamics and extent of transnational crimes in West Africa; its implications for national, sub-regional and global security including terrorism financing; and its impact on ongoing democratization, anti-corruption, development and public health efforts within West Africa.
in Washington D.C. Previously he had served as Senior Vice President of National Defense University
.
Formerly, Ambassador Bellamy was U.S. ambassador to Kenya
from 2003 to 2006, and directed U.S. security programs in the Horn of Africa while there. He served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2001–2003 and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2000-2001. He also served as a Political Counselor in Pretoria
and Cape Town
from 1991–1993, and was closely engaged in U.S. diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful transition from apartheid to democratic rule.
, principle adviser for strategic planning and policy analysis, and is also responsible for the development of Africa Center programs to support the United States policy communities’ African affairs goals.
Mr. Garrison joined ACSS after 28 years of active duty, much of which pertained to Africa. In 1999, Mr. Garrison was a Political/Military affairs officer responsible for all U.S. military security cooperation and contingency plans for the 11 southern most African nations. He was subsequently assigned as the Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of Kenya from July 2002 through June 2005, and then assigned as the Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of South Africa, Lesotho
and Swaziland
, from June 2005 through June 2008. During his tour in South Africa
, he was deployed to Sudan
as the Defense Liaison Officer for several months to support the Embassy during the Abuja peace negotiation. Most recently, he served as the Director for the Southern Africa Region in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
for African Affairs, managing bilateral and multilateral defense strategy, policies, programs, and relations between the Department of Defense and nine southern African countries.
Dr. Muyangwa possesses an extensive background in African development and U.S.-Africa relations. She currently participates on a number of Africa-related programs, including serving on the Advisory Council of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance
, a project of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Before joining the Africa Center, she worked as Director of Research and then Vice President for Research and Policy at the National Summit on Africa from 1997-2000. There, she was responsible for overseeing the research, writing, and production of the Summit’s publications pertaining to U.S.-Africa relations.
Prior to joining the Summit, she worked as Director of International Education Programs at New Mexico Highlands University
, and as Tutor in African History, Politics and Economics at St. Clare’s College, Oxford
. She has served as a development and gender consultant, and has worked on a wide range of community development projects in southern Africa in the areas of education, housing, health, and nutrition. She has co-authored, with Margaret Vogt, a publication for the International Peace Academy titled An Assessment of the Organization of African Unity’s Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.
She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford, as well as a BA in Public Administration and Economics from the University of Zambia
. She was a Rhodes Scholar, a Wingate Scholar, and the University of Zambia Class of 1986 Valedictory Speaker.
. Kelly was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1978 from Detroit at age 28 and served four consecutive four-year terms. John authored laws including the state investment anti-apartheid laws based on the Sullivan principles for South Africa and the McBride principles for employment equality in Northern Ireland. John holds a B.A. with Honors from the University of Michigan, a Masters of Public Administration form Wayne State University,a JD from Michigan State University, completed graduate coursework at Georgetown University, received his PhD in Political Science (International Relations and Diplomatic History)from Wayne State University,and completed the Advanced Military law program at the JAGC School at the University of Virginia. John retired in 2009 as a Colonel
in the U.S. Army Reserves, Civil Affairs
branch. As a Foreign Area Officer
, he has served as a Defense Attache on multiple tours of Active Duty assigned primarily to the Republic of South Africa. In his reserve capacity he spent seven years as a liaison to Federal law enforcement on counter-terrorism research. A Graduate of Army Command and General Staff College he also spent 10 years as a staff Judge Advocate General
.
, Ethiopia
, Gabon
, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and most recently Chad
. Other assignments have included service in the former Yugoslavia
at Sarajevo 1994-1995. Staff Positions have included a tour with the Army Press information center in Paris in 1996-2000, being the Chief of Operations of the 5th Marine Regiment in Djibouti from 2001 to 2003, and Chief of Crisis Response Cell “Cote d’Ivoire” in Paris, France from 2003 to 2006. His most recent assignment prior to coming to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies was as Commanding Officer of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment from 2006 to 2008.
Colonel Collignon is a graduate of the French Military Academy of St. Cyr, receiving his commission in 1986 as a lieutenant in the French Army. He is also a 2000 graduate of the Army Staff College, and a 2001 graduate of the Joint Staff College.
Colonel Collignon’s decorations include the Legion of Honor (chevalier), the Order of National Merit (chevalier), the “Ordre du 27 juin” from Djibouti (officer), the Cross of Military Valor with two stars, bronze and silver, as well as the National Defense Medal “échelon Or” with a bronze star.
To maximize exposure and build ties with regional counterparts, ACSS conducts the majority of its programs on the African continent.
The Africa Center’s flagship program, the SLS focuses on a comprehensive definition of security that reflects African realities and challenges by accounting for human and traditional security concerns, emerging threats, and good governance. During FY10’s iteration, participants interacted with senior U.S. and African leaders, including General William E. “Kip” Ward, Commander of the United States Africa Command; Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; and Brigadier General Frank Rusagara of the Rwanda Defence Forces. The most dynamic impact of SLS is that for many of the attendees, this was the first time they had the opportunity to meet and interact with their African counterparts face-to-face.
As a result of this seminar, senior African decision-makers have forged alliances and established networks to continue engagement with their colleagues long after the program has ended.
Next Generation of Africa Military Leaders Course
The Next Generation of African Military Leaders course lays the foundation for the roles and responsibilities of professional military officers and future leaders of a democratic society. This program is an accredited course focused on enhancing professionalism, ethics, and leadership among mid-level African officers. As such, the course shared current concepts and ideas, examined Africa’s contemporary and emerging security threats, and analyzed civil- military relations in Africa to determine the role and place of the military in advancing national security in democratizing states. Over a four-week period, these officers participated in plenary sessions, group discussions, policy roundtables, topical lunches, and field trips that focused on military leadership, ethics and professionalism. As these officers assume positions of greater responsibility, they will be better equipped to foster healthy civil-military relations and prudently manage their countries’ security resources.
Following the conclusion of this course, several former participants were promoted within their militaries, or were assigned to duties with increasing responsibilities. In addition, several participants completed the course and received master's level credit, eligible for application to master's programs around the world.
Introduction to African Security Issues
One of the Africa Center’s most popular offerings, this introductory-level seminar is designed to provide U.S. government officials who have little or no background in African security issues a basic understanding of political, social, military, and economic aspects of security in Africa and to introduce major U.S. policies and programs regarding Africa. Participants were given opportunities to network with key African security leaders, such as Ambassador Amina Salum Ali, the AU Mission Permanent Representative to the United States. The course also featured a practical exercise to demonstrate how the U.S. interagency process functions in the African theater.
IASI participants gained an increased understanding of U.S. policy towards Africa, the interagency process and U.S. Africa Command. Participants also identified and explored U.S. security interests in Africa.
African Defense Attaché Seminar
The African Defense Attaché seminar created a forum for African embassy personnel to foster relationships with their U.S. government counterparts. Throughout the seminar, African defense attachés and embassy personnel were provided with information about the structure and workings of the U.S. government, with a focus on U.S. policies toward and programs in Africa. Participants were also given information about navigating the U.S. interagency process and interacting with key security-related government agencies, especially the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The relationships formed during the seminar provide useful points of entry for U.S. government personnel into the Africa diplomatic community and assist African embassy personnel in communicating their countries’ security priorities to policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Countering trans-national threats remains at the forefront of security concerns around the globe. ACSS hosted its 5th Counter-Terrorism Workshop which built capacity to implement the African Union (AU) Plan of Action on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, as well as regional and international cooperative protocols to regulate, monitor, investigate, and arrest financial transfers that support violent extremist organizations.
During the Counter-Terrorism Finance workshop, attendees confirmed regional recommendations to create instruments against terrorist financing and policies to arrest financial transfers that support violent extremist organizations.
Combating Narcotics Trafficking in West Africa
This workshop examined recent findings on the organization, dynamics and extent of narcotics trafficking in West Africa; implications for national, sub-regional and global security; and the impact of drug smuggling on ongoing democratization, anti-corruption, development and public health efforts within West Africa. Initiatives by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and foreign security assistance partners to build African counter-narcotics capacity were highlighted, as well as lessons learned from counter-narcotics efforts in other regions of the world.
As a result of the Counter Narcotics Trafficking workshop, participants developed regional and multi-lateral counter-narcotics legislation to be enforced via the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Anti-Narcotics Unit.
Maritime Safety and Security Seminar
The magnitude of the maritime threats and challenges confronting African countries remains daunting. In April 2010, ACSS brought together participants from across the continent to discuss key threats and opportunities to develop succinct national maritime security strategies in harmony with the African Union. The Africa Center’s ability to continue building upon this framework is critical to Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) goals for building the capacity of African states to maintain their own security while contributing to the stability of others. The seminar addressed several important goals of the African Union: a) identify common practices for successful maritime security; b) develop the necessary planning tools for building maritime security, c) craft a strategic framework for creating national maritime security plans, and d) reinforce ongoing African efforts to develop strategies for maritime safety and security.
The Maritime Safety and Security Seminar was a catalyst for Tanzanian President Kikwete’s approval of new legislation to apprehend violators and try crimes of piracy in a court of law.
Managing Security Resources in Africa Seminar
The Managing Security Resources in Africa seminar underscored the link between security and the prudent administration of security resources. Participants attended plenary sessions and participated in more intimate discussion groups to share best practices with regards to security resource management. Additionally, the seminar built on and strengthened relationships between African security sector leaders and U.S. government personnel. During this seminar, participants conducted a capstone exercise that applied the concepts developed during the seminar and reinforced its theme of judicious security resource administration.
Enhancing Civil-Military Relations in Central Africa
The first in a series of sub-regional seminars aimed at improving civil-military relations in Africa, this workshop focused on current relations between Central Africa’s civil society and its security forces. U.S. government personnel with Africa-related security portfolios attended discussion groups, gleaned information about security sector issues in Central Africa, and shared their perspectives about civil-military relations in the American context.
The seminar provided a forum for Central African security sector and political leaders to candidly discuss the often delicate civil-military relations challenges faced by their countries.
Africa Command Academic Symposium
In support of Africa Command’s growing threshold for theater stability, ACSS hosted its 5th Academic Symposium in July 2010. The program brought together participants from the United States, Canada, the European Union, 16 African countries, and representatives from both the African Union and U.S. Africa Command. The program enhanced understanding of U.S. Africa Command, its mission, and its objectives. After fruitful discussions, participants identified areas for further attention and offered U.S. military leaders several recommendations to better support peace and stability on the continent.
The relationships fostered during the symposium deepened U.S. Africa Command’s connections to African academics and civil society institutions and will continue to grow as the Africa Center incorporates participants into its alumni network.
African Defense Force Joint Warrant Officer Symposium
In FY2010, ACSS completed its first strategic seminar focusing on the non-commissioned officer ranks. The program developing focused on peacekeeping issues, narcotics trafficking, health, readiness, environment, and supporting maritime security efforts.
Following the Joint Warrant Officer Symposium, the Nigerian Minister of Defense agreed to implement a new training protocol to professionalize the enlisted corps and it is considering allocating up to 25% of education funding to noncommissioned officers.
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Workshop
Unlike combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, units assigned to CJTF-HOA are focused on stability operations and building partner capacity. The Joint Warfighting Center asked ACSS to support pre-deployment training by providing lectures on the political, economic, and security issues unique to the Horn of Africa. This prepared military members to assume responsibility for military operations in Djibouti.
ACSS encourages members in countries to form alumni associations-called “Community Chapters.” The first community chapter was formed in Mali on October 18, 2003. As of February 2009, 22 community chapters have been established in Africa. These chapters are independent, non-government, apolitical organizations whose members seek to continue a dialogue regarding stability and security in their countries and their regions.
In addition, ACSS initiated Topical Outreach Programs (TOPS) in 2007. With TOPS, ACSS visits every country in Africa in which a community chapter has been formed. During these visits, ACSS meets with U.S. ambassadors and senior staff members, as well as senior African military and government officials to help build support for community chapters. ACSS also co-sponsors topical programs with the community chapters on security-related subjects relevant to each country. As of February 2009, ACSS has conducted 60 TOPS in 30 countries.
ACSS also maintains contact with African Defense Attachés in Washington DC. In 2009, the Africa Center established a U.S.-based community chapter, which includes former USG participants as well as members of the diplomatic community in Washington. Through the establishment of this chapter, ACSS hopes to strengthen its relationship with security-sector professionals in the U.S. who have expertise in African affairs.
Recognizing that Africa’s security challenges are marked by their breadth and diversity, the ACSS Research Program pursues three integrated layers of analysis: strategic concerns, topical security challenges, and evidenced-based “best practices”. In this way, the Research Program aims to contribute to a conceptual framework for addressing security challenges in Africa as well as to solutions for specific priority issues. Consistent with the ACSS mission, all products generated from the Research Program endeavor to be practical, policy-relevant, and solutions-oriented.
ACSS publications include monthly eNewsletters, research papers, security briefs, books, and special reports.
The formation of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) began in 1994, when U.S. European Command (EUCOM) petitioned the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee to create a Center on African Affairs that emulated the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies is a unique U.S. Department of Defense and German Defense Ministry security and defense studies institute...
(GCMC). Following this, in March 1998, President Bill Clinton made the first major trip to sub-Saharan Africa by a U.S. president in over 20 years. While there, he discussed promoting a U.S.-Africa partnership for the twenty-first century based on mutual respect and mutual interest, and mentioned the establishment of a center for Africa. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Susan Rice later explained that this center would “provide a forum for senior military and civilian officials to explore together complex defense policy issues and provide training to strengthen civil-military relations in burgeoning democracies.”
In March 1999, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies was formally established. In 2004, the Center relocated to the campus of the Department of Defense’s National Defense University
National Defense University
The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the United States Department of Defense, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy. It is chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Navy Vice Admiral...
at Fort Lesley J. McNair
Fort Lesley J. McNair
Fort Lesley J. McNair is a United States Army post located on the tip of a peninsula that lies at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. To its west is the Washington Channel, while the Anacostia River is on its south side...
, Washington, D.C., where it is one of five regional centers. In 2007, ACSS began a working partnership with the recently established U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
ACSS is dedicated to promoting good governance and democratic values in the defense and security sectors around the globe, and to establishing long-term active communications with African leaders across the continent. The Africa Center aims to do this through a comprehensive program of seminars, symposia, conferences, research and other academic programs; and through a range of outreach activities in Africa and in the U.S.
Mission Statement
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies aims to support United States foreign and security policies by strengthening the strategic capacity of African states to identify and resolve security challenges in ways that promote civil-military cooperation, respect for democratic values, and safeguard human rightsHuman rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
.
In order to advance security cooperation in Africa, ACSS's stated goals are:
- Conduct relevant, timely, and efficient programs strategically focused on national security policy development, counter-terrorismCounter-terrorismCounter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
, civil military relations, defense economics and resource management, and conflict prevention; - Security Sector Reform: Build African military capacity and professionalization, respect for the rule of lawRule of lawThe rule of law, sometimes called supremacy of law, is a legal maxim that says that governmental decisions should be made by applying known principles or laws with minimal discretion in their application...
, and civil-military relations. - Focus program objectives on countering trans-national security challenges and initiatives that build partner capacities.
- Support efforts to increase African ability to carry out peacekeepingPeacekeepingPeacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
and stability operations, and to mutually support and respond to disasters. - Build a network of African civil, military, and opinion leaders who can promote a common understanding among U.S. and African leaders on U.S.-African security-related policies, programs, and priorities.
- Continue to refine current transformative, inter-ministerial regional security programs and expand focus on whole-of-government approaches to current and projected security challenges in Africa.
- Foster shared, synergistic programs with European allies, partner countries, and select international, regional, and civil-society organizations to fulfill common goals.
Region of Engagement
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
, Mauritania
Mauritania
Mauritania is a country in the Maghreb and West Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, by Western Sahara in the north, by Algeria in the northeast, by Mali in the east and southeast, and by Senegal in the southwest...
, Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
, and Tunisia
Tunisia
Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
is shared with the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies
Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies
Established in 2000, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies is the preeminent U.S. Government institution for building relationships and understanding in the NESA region...
. Since ACSS is based in Washington, DC, the Center also engages local Africa specialists.
Regional Offices
In September 2004, the Africa Center recommended establishing four Africa Center Regional Offices. The first regional office was opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on October 26, 2006. In November 2008, a second Regional Office was opened in Dakar, Senegal.The goal of the ACSS Regional Offices is to establish a long-term and visible Africa Center presence on the continent. Specifically, the Regional Offices help aim to strengthen relationships with African governments, international organizations, the African Union and sub-regional organizations, and other partner institutions across the continent. The Regional Offices build outreach programs and provide support for ACSS Community Members and organized Community Chapters. They plan and execute ACSS activities in support of ACSS headquarters and host governments. In addition, the Regional Offices foster strong working ties with African defense, military, and civic leaders to advance common policy objectives.
Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, EARO promotes bilateral dialogue through continuous engagement with the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
(AU), the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development, the European Union, African Military Attachés Association, EASBRIG, African Standby Forces, and the U.S. Mission to the AU. EARO also maintains and expands ACSS alumni networks and community chapters. Of these, the International Alumni Chapter plays a critical role in advancing the policy dialogue on China’s role in Africa, the referendum in Southern Sudan, and ongoing instability in Somalia and Eritrea. The East Africa office will work with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa to support future forums at Camp Lemonnier on issues of regional importance.
Based in Dakar, Senegal, ROWA develops outreach strategies and proposals to address issues such as security sector governance and civil-military relations both at national and regional levels. Following a West Africa counter-narcotics workshop, ROWA provided regional expertise for ministerial-level dialogue on the subject and helped forge regional partnerships around the conclusions of the workshop. Other ROWA projects examine the opportunities and challenges facing the armed forces in developing policies, allocating resources, and creating structures to better integrate women in the Senegalese armed forces. ROWA also collaborates with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) by helping to develop content on the dynamics and extent of transnational crimes in West Africa; its implications for national, sub-regional and global security including terrorism financing; and its impact on ongoing democratization, anti-corruption, development and public health efforts within West Africa.
Director
In October 2008, Ambassador William M. Bellamy became director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. At the time of his appointment, he was resident senior fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International StudiesCenter for Strategic and International Studies
The Center for Strategic and International Studies is a bipartisan Washington, D.C., foreign policy think tank. The center was founded in 1962 by Admiral Arleigh Burke and Ambassador David Manker Abshire, originally as part of Georgetown University...
in Washington D.C. Previously he had served as Senior Vice President of National Defense University
National Defense University
The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the United States Department of Defense, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy. It is chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Navy Vice Admiral...
.
Formerly, Ambassador Bellamy was U.S. ambassador to Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
from 2003 to 2006, and directed U.S. security programs in the Horn of Africa while there. He served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2001–2003 and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2000-2001. He also served as a Political Counselor in Pretoria
Pretoria
Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is...
and Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
from 1991–1993, and was closely engaged in U.S. diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful transition from apartheid to democratic rule.
Deputy Director
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Michael Garrison became Deputy Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in May 2009. He is ACSS's chief operating officerChief operating officer
A Chief Operating Officer or Director of Operations can be one of the highest-ranking executives in an organization and comprises part of the "C-Suite"...
, principle adviser for strategic planning and policy analysis, and is also responsible for the development of Africa Center programs to support the United States policy communities’ African affairs goals.
Mr. Garrison joined ACSS after 28 years of active duty, much of which pertained to Africa. In 1999, Mr. Garrison was a Political/Military affairs officer responsible for all U.S. military security cooperation and contingency plans for the 11 southern most African nations. He was subsequently assigned as the Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of Kenya from July 2002 through June 2005, and then assigned as the Defense and Army Attaché to the Republic of South Africa, Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
and Swaziland
Swaziland
Swaziland, officially the Kingdom of Swaziland , and sometimes called Ngwane or Swatini, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered to the north, south and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique...
, from June 2005 through June 2008. During his tour in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, he was deployed to Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
as the Defense Liaison Officer for several months to support the Embassy during the Abuja peace negotiation. Most recently, he served as the Director for the Southern Africa Region in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Office of the Secretary of Defense is a headquarters-level staff of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. It is the principal civilian staff element of the Secretary of Defense, and it assists the Secretary in carrying out authority, direction and control of the Department...
for African Affairs, managing bilateral and multilateral defense strategy, policies, programs, and relations between the Department of Defense and nine southern African countries.
Academic Dean
Dr. Monde Muyangwa is the current Academic Dean at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. In this capacity, she oversees all curriculum and program development for the Africa Center, including in the areas of Security Studies, Counter-Terrorism, Civil-Military Relations, Defense Economics, and Conflict Management.Dr. Muyangwa possesses an extensive background in African development and U.S.-Africa relations. She currently participates on a number of Africa-related programs, including serving on the Advisory Council of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance
Ibrahim Index of African Governance
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance is an attempt to statistically monitor African governance levels throughout all the countries of Africa. Funded and led by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, it uses a number of different indicators to compile an overall ranking of countries, which is designed to be...
, a project of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Before joining the Africa Center, she worked as Director of Research and then Vice President for Research and Policy at the National Summit on Africa from 1997-2000. There, she was responsible for overseeing the research, writing, and production of the Summit’s publications pertaining to U.S.-Africa relations.
Prior to joining the Summit, she worked as Director of International Education Programs at New Mexico Highlands University
New Mexico Highlands University
New Mexico Highlands University is a public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico.-History:The university was first established as New Mexico Normal School in 1893, with the prominent archaeologist Edgar Lee Hewett serving as its first president...
, and as Tutor in African History, Politics and Economics at St. Clare’s College, Oxford
Oxford
The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
. She has served as a development and gender consultant, and has worked on a wide range of community development projects in southern Africa in the areas of education, housing, health, and nutrition. She has co-authored, with Margaret Vogt, a publication for the International Peace Academy titled An Assessment of the Organization of African Unity’s Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.
She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford, as well as a BA in Public Administration and Economics from the University of Zambia
University of Zambia
The University of Zambia is Zambia's largest university, founded in 1966. It has a student population of about 10,000.-Academics:The University of Zambia is divided into the following faculties:*School of Agricultural Sciences *School of Engineering...
. She was a Rhodes Scholar, a Wingate Scholar, and the University of Zambia Class of 1986 Valedictory Speaker.
Associate Dean
The Associate Dean is Dr. John F. KellyDr. John F. Kelly
Dr. John F. Kelly currently serves as Associate Dean at the National Defense University's Africa Center for Strategic Studies. Kelly was a four-term Michigan state Senator and a 1994 candidate for the U.S. Senate...
. Kelly was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1978 from Detroit at age 28 and served four consecutive four-year terms. John authored laws including the state investment anti-apartheid laws based on the Sullivan principles for South Africa and the McBride principles for employment equality in Northern Ireland. John holds a B.A. with Honors from the University of Michigan, a Masters of Public Administration form Wayne State University,a JD from Michigan State University, completed graduate coursework at Georgetown University, received his PhD in Political Science (International Relations and Diplomatic History)from Wayne State University,and completed the Advanced Military law program at the JAGC School at the University of Virginia. John retired in 2009 as a Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
in the U.S. Army Reserves, Civil Affairs
Civil Affairs
Civil Affairs is a term used by both the United Nations and by military institutions , but for different purposes in each case.-United Nations Civil Affairs:...
branch. As a Foreign Area Officer
Foreign area officer
A Foreign Area Officer is a commissioned officer from any of the four branches of the United States Armed Forces who is a regionally focused expert in political-military operations. Such officers possess a unique combination of strategic focus and regional expertise, with political, cultural,...
, he has served as a Defense Attache on multiple tours of Active Duty assigned primarily to the Republic of South Africa. In his reserve capacity he spent seven years as a liaison to Federal law enforcement on counter-terrorism research. A Graduate of Army Command and General Staff College he also spent 10 years as a staff Judge Advocate General
Judge Advocate General
In the United Kingdom, the Judge Advocate General and Judge Martial of all the Forces is a judge responsible for the court martial process within the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.-Qualifications:...
.
Chief of Staff
Danielle Buchanan came to the Africa Center in August 2001 after working as a government civilian employee at the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. For 22 years, Buchanan worked for senior level flag officers. She was the executive assistant to the past seven Deputy Commanders in Chief of the United States European Command. In that capacity, she traveled extensively throughout 40 African countries. Possessing a thorough understanding of U.S., European and African political and military affairs, she collaborated with U.S. and foreign high-level government officials and foreign Heads of State. Born in Etain, France, she speaks French fluently and also speaks German.Senior French Representative
Colonel Xavier Collignon is the senior French representative to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies since August 2008. As a Marine Officer he has acquired vast experience with Africa, ranging from academic periods to combat missions, in addition to cooperation with African militaries. Colonel Collignon’s 25 years of service has led him to Africa numerous times, including operations inside DjiboutiDjibouti
Djibouti , officially the Republic of Djibouti , is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden at the east...
, Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
, Gabon
Gabon
Gabon , officially the Gabonese Republic is a state in west central Africa sharing borders with Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, and with the Republic of the Congo curving around the east and south. The Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean is to the west...
, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and most recently Chad
Chad
Chad , officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west...
. Other assignments have included service in the former Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
at Sarajevo 1994-1995. Staff Positions have included a tour with the Army Press information center in Paris in 1996-2000, being the Chief of Operations of the 5th Marine Regiment in Djibouti from 2001 to 2003, and Chief of Crisis Response Cell “Cote d’Ivoire” in Paris, France from 2003 to 2006. His most recent assignment prior to coming to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies was as Commanding Officer of the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment from 2006 to 2008.
Colonel Collignon is a graduate of the French Military Academy of St. Cyr, receiving his commission in 1986 as a lieutenant in the French Army. He is also a 2000 graduate of the Army Staff College, and a 2001 graduate of the Joint Staff College.
Colonel Collignon’s decorations include the Legion of Honor (chevalier), the Order of National Merit (chevalier), the “Ordre du 27 juin” from Djibouti (officer), the Cross of Military Valor with two stars, bronze and silver, as well as the National Defense Medal “échelon Or” with a bronze star.
Programs
The Africa Center’s first event was its Senior Leaders Seminar, held in Dakar, Senegal in May 1999. The Dakar seminar brought together 115 senior-level civilians, flag-level military officers, and representatives of civil society from Africa, Europe and the United States for two weeks of intense academic work. Fifty African nations were represented. Since then, more programs have been added to the Africa Center’s curriculum, including sub-regional seminars, counter-terrorism workshops, and programs addressing defense economics and civil-military relationships. In 2005, ACSS initiated its now annual Next Generation of African Military Leaders Course, a program focused on enhancing professionalism, ethics and leadership among mid-level African military officers. ACSS aims to provide a forum for discussing and analyzing current challenges facing Africa by holding programs that foster an understanding of the military’s role under democratic rule, promote discussion and common understanding of African security related issues, develop military professionalism, and further U.S. national security interests. Programs promote strategic thinking, professional networking, long-term outreach and better understanding of African security-related issues. All such programs are designed to allow participants to examine complex issues and seek their own solutions.Methodology
- Academic Programs
- Outreach & Networking
- Strategic Research & Publications
- Thematic Workshops & Roundtables
- Inter-agency Support Programs
- In-region programs and events
- Alumni network and associations
- Dynamic Website & Social Networking
- Programs in English, French and Portuguese
- Strict policy of non-attribution
- Consultation with African Experts
- Policy-relevant focus
To maximize exposure and build ties with regional counterparts, ACSS conducts the majority of its programs on the African continent.
Core Foundational Programs
Senior Leaders Seminar (SLS)The Africa Center’s flagship program, the SLS focuses on a comprehensive definition of security that reflects African realities and challenges by accounting for human and traditional security concerns, emerging threats, and good governance. During FY10’s iteration, participants interacted with senior U.S. and African leaders, including General William E. “Kip” Ward, Commander of the United States Africa Command; Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; and Brigadier General Frank Rusagara of the Rwanda Defence Forces. The most dynamic impact of SLS is that for many of the attendees, this was the first time they had the opportunity to meet and interact with their African counterparts face-to-face.
As a result of this seminar, senior African decision-makers have forged alliances and established networks to continue engagement with their colleagues long after the program has ended.
Next Generation of Africa Military Leaders Course
The Next Generation of African Military Leaders course lays the foundation for the roles and responsibilities of professional military officers and future leaders of a democratic society. This program is an accredited course focused on enhancing professionalism, ethics, and leadership among mid-level African officers. As such, the course shared current concepts and ideas, examined Africa’s contemporary and emerging security threats, and analyzed civil- military relations in Africa to determine the role and place of the military in advancing national security in democratizing states. Over a four-week period, these officers participated in plenary sessions, group discussions, policy roundtables, topical lunches, and field trips that focused on military leadership, ethics and professionalism. As these officers assume positions of greater responsibility, they will be better equipped to foster healthy civil-military relations and prudently manage their countries’ security resources.
Following the conclusion of this course, several former participants were promoted within their militaries, or were assigned to duties with increasing responsibilities. In addition, several participants completed the course and received master's level credit, eligible for application to master's programs around the world.
Introduction to African Security Issues
One of the Africa Center’s most popular offerings, this introductory-level seminar is designed to provide U.S. government officials who have little or no background in African security issues a basic understanding of political, social, military, and economic aspects of security in Africa and to introduce major U.S. policies and programs regarding Africa. Participants were given opportunities to network with key African security leaders, such as Ambassador Amina Salum Ali, the AU Mission Permanent Representative to the United States. The course also featured a practical exercise to demonstrate how the U.S. interagency process functions in the African theater.
IASI participants gained an increased understanding of U.S. policy towards Africa, the interagency process and U.S. Africa Command. Participants also identified and explored U.S. security interests in Africa.
African Defense Attaché Seminar
The African Defense Attaché seminar created a forum for African embassy personnel to foster relationships with their U.S. government counterparts. Throughout the seminar, African defense attachés and embassy personnel were provided with information about the structure and workings of the U.S. government, with a focus on U.S. policies toward and programs in Africa. Participants were also given information about navigating the U.S. interagency process and interacting with key security-related government agencies, especially the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The relationships formed during the seminar provide useful points of entry for U.S. government personnel into the Africa diplomatic community and assist African embassy personnel in communicating their countries’ security priorities to policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Thematic Programs
Counterterrorism Capacity Building Workshop: Combating terrorist financing in Eastern and Southern AfricaCountering trans-national threats remains at the forefront of security concerns around the globe. ACSS hosted its 5th Counter-Terrorism Workshop which built capacity to implement the African Union (AU) Plan of Action on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, as well as regional and international cooperative protocols to regulate, monitor, investigate, and arrest financial transfers that support violent extremist organizations.
During the Counter-Terrorism Finance workshop, attendees confirmed regional recommendations to create instruments against terrorist financing and policies to arrest financial transfers that support violent extremist organizations.
Combating Narcotics Trafficking in West Africa
This workshop examined recent findings on the organization, dynamics and extent of narcotics trafficking in West Africa; implications for national, sub-regional and global security; and the impact of drug smuggling on ongoing democratization, anti-corruption, development and public health efforts within West Africa. Initiatives by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and foreign security assistance partners to build African counter-narcotics capacity were highlighted, as well as lessons learned from counter-narcotics efforts in other regions of the world.
As a result of the Counter Narcotics Trafficking workshop, participants developed regional and multi-lateral counter-narcotics legislation to be enforced via the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Anti-Narcotics Unit.
Maritime Safety and Security Seminar
The magnitude of the maritime threats and challenges confronting African countries remains daunting. In April 2010, ACSS brought together participants from across the continent to discuss key threats and opportunities to develop succinct national maritime security strategies in harmony with the African Union. The Africa Center’s ability to continue building upon this framework is critical to Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) goals for building the capacity of African states to maintain their own security while contributing to the stability of others. The seminar addressed several important goals of the African Union: a) identify common practices for successful maritime security; b) develop the necessary planning tools for building maritime security, c) craft a strategic framework for creating national maritime security plans, and d) reinforce ongoing African efforts to develop strategies for maritime safety and security.
The Maritime Safety and Security Seminar was a catalyst for Tanzanian President Kikwete’s approval of new legislation to apprehend violators and try crimes of piracy in a court of law.
Managing Security Resources in Africa Seminar
The Managing Security Resources in Africa seminar underscored the link between security and the prudent administration of security resources. Participants attended plenary sessions and participated in more intimate discussion groups to share best practices with regards to security resource management. Additionally, the seminar built on and strengthened relationships between African security sector leaders and U.S. government personnel. During this seminar, participants conducted a capstone exercise that applied the concepts developed during the seminar and reinforced its theme of judicious security resource administration.
Enhancing Civil-Military Relations in Central Africa
The first in a series of sub-regional seminars aimed at improving civil-military relations in Africa, this workshop focused on current relations between Central Africa’s civil society and its security forces. U.S. government personnel with Africa-related security portfolios attended discussion groups, gleaned information about security sector issues in Central Africa, and shared their perspectives about civil-military relations in the American context.
The seminar provided a forum for Central African security sector and political leaders to candidly discuss the often delicate civil-military relations challenges faced by their countries.
Combatant Command Support Programs and Other Partnerships
“The Africa Center for Strategic Studies is a valuable partner in our ongoing effort to advance security cooperation and build partner capacity in Africa. The Center plays a pivotal role in building long-term relationships with African military, civilian, and defense officials. U.S. Africa Command extends its full support to the Center to meet continental and regional challenges in support of our theater strategic objectives.” - General William “Kip” Ward, Commander, United States Africa CommandAfrica Command Academic Symposium
In support of Africa Command’s growing threshold for theater stability, ACSS hosted its 5th Academic Symposium in July 2010. The program brought together participants from the United States, Canada, the European Union, 16 African countries, and representatives from both the African Union and U.S. Africa Command. The program enhanced understanding of U.S. Africa Command, its mission, and its objectives. After fruitful discussions, participants identified areas for further attention and offered U.S. military leaders several recommendations to better support peace and stability on the continent.
The relationships fostered during the symposium deepened U.S. Africa Command’s connections to African academics and civil society institutions and will continue to grow as the Africa Center incorporates participants into its alumni network.
African Defense Force Joint Warrant Officer Symposium
In FY2010, ACSS completed its first strategic seminar focusing on the non-commissioned officer ranks. The program developing focused on peacekeeping issues, narcotics trafficking, health, readiness, environment, and supporting maritime security efforts.
Following the Joint Warrant Officer Symposium, the Nigerian Minister of Defense agreed to implement a new training protocol to professionalize the enlisted corps and it is considering allocating up to 25% of education funding to noncommissioned officers.
Unlike combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, units assigned to CJTF-HOA are focused on stability operations and building partner capacity. The Joint Warfighting Center asked ACSS to support pre-deployment training by providing lectures on the political, economic, and security issues unique to the Horn of Africa. This prepared military members to assume responsibility for military operations in Djibouti.
Outreach
As ACSS has carried on, there is an increasing number of former participants of ACSS academic programs. More than 3,500 African and international participants have been involved in ACSS programs. In order to maintain stronger ties with such former participants, ACSS maintains an outreach program composed of three distinct efforts.ACSS encourages members in countries to form alumni associations-called “Community Chapters.” The first community chapter was formed in Mali on October 18, 2003. As of February 2009, 22 community chapters have been established in Africa. These chapters are independent, non-government, apolitical organizations whose members seek to continue a dialogue regarding stability and security in their countries and their regions.
In addition, ACSS initiated Topical Outreach Programs (TOPS) in 2007. With TOPS, ACSS visits every country in Africa in which a community chapter has been formed. During these visits, ACSS meets with U.S. ambassadors and senior staff members, as well as senior African military and government officials to help build support for community chapters. ACSS also co-sponsors topical programs with the community chapters on security-related subjects relevant to each country. As of February 2009, ACSS has conducted 60 TOPS in 30 countries.
ACSS also maintains contact with African Defense Attachés in Washington DC. In 2009, the Africa Center established a U.S.-based community chapter, which includes former USG participants as well as members of the diplomatic community in Washington. Through the establishment of this chapter, ACSS hopes to strengthen its relationship with security-sector professionals in the U.S. who have expertise in African affairs.
Publications
ACSS’s research publications aim to expand the analysis and understanding of Africa’s security challenges. These publications are authored by ACSS faculty and independent scholars with the intention of generating evidenced-based insights while facilitating an exchange of views on effective strategies and practices for advancing Africa’s security. In this way and building on the Center’s strong network of relationships in Africa, the scholarship generated via the Research Program reinforces the Center’s ongoing educational and outreach efforts.Recognizing that Africa’s security challenges are marked by their breadth and diversity, the ACSS Research Program pursues three integrated layers of analysis: strategic concerns, topical security challenges, and evidenced-based “best practices”. In this way, the Research Program aims to contribute to a conceptual framework for addressing security challenges in Africa as well as to solutions for specific priority issues. Consistent with the ACSS mission, all products generated from the Research Program endeavor to be practical, policy-relevant, and solutions-oriented.
ACSS publications include monthly eNewsletters, research papers, security briefs, books, and special reports.