Gathering storm clouds: political and economic uncertainty in Central Africa

Interconnected policies provide the best opportunity for peace and prosperity in the region.

The Central African region is facing remarkable pressure along several fronts. The recent downturn in global commodity prices is exacerbating an already fragile fiscal situation in the region. Moreover, rapid population growth is accentuating the challenges related to poor service delivery, while the uncertainty around future political transitions lends itself to a pessimistic outlook. Although the region faces serious problems, interconnected regional and country-specific policy approaches provide the best opportunity for peace and prosperity in the region.

About the authors

Fonteh Akum is a senior researcher in the Peace and Security Research Programme. Previously, he worked with the United States Department of Defense and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa. Fonteh holds a PhD in Politics and International Studies from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies.

Zachary Donnenfeld joined the ISS in 2015 as a researcher with the African Futures and Innovation team in Pretoria. Previously, he worked at the Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures, and the Environment, Food and Conflict Laboratory at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.

Picture: D Julien/Flickr