http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2008/0602_niger_delta.html

Covers background and major issues behind the instability in the Niger Delta and what needs to be done by the government of Nigeria and the international community. From the U.S. Institute of Peace.

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08680.pdf

In 1996 world leaders pledged to cut in half by 2015 the number of undernourished people globally. This report examines factors that contribute to persistent food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa and the progress made toward the 2015 goal. From the Government Accountability Office.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS22873.pdf

Discusses the threat posed by militant transnational Islamism to unstable African regimes and the increased diplomatic engagement of the U.S. with these countries. Also covers Muslim population in Africa, the character of African Islam, and the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia for influence among the African Muslim population. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2008/0506_liberia.html

Reviews the status of Liberia's Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program and whether there are lessons to be learned for other post-conflict countries. A briefing from the U.S. Institute of Peace.

http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2008_rpt/crs-china.pdf

Discusses Chinese foreign policy goals, its penetration into South America, Asia, and Africa, and whether such penetration is a threat to U.S. interests in those regions. From the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2008/0415_kenya.html

Examines the chaos following the failed election in December 2007, the series of commissions including the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission and the Constitutional Review Commission set up, and the influence of the National Accord in restoring normality. From the U.S. Institute of Peace.

http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB851.pdf

Examines theories and applications of revolutionary warfare in an era of reactionary, jihadist wars. Explores how in particular the governments of Vietnam (1955-63), Algeria (1945-62) and Nicaragua (1967-79) unintentionally empowered revolutionary movements leading to the demise of the governments. From the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

http://www.fas.org/irp/nic/african_democ_2008.pdf

Proceedings from a 2007 conference on whether African nations are institutionalizing democratic processes and practices. From the National Intelligence Council.

http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB855.pdf

Examines problems in the program to restore security in post-conflict Liberia. From the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr203.pdf

Examines the role played by universities in social and political change in Sudan. From the U.S. Institute of Peace.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr200.pdf

Examines the recent election results, the surprising support for Jean Pierre Bemba, and the state of democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Traces the history of the Mouvement de Liberation du Congo and its transition from rebel movement to political party. From the U.S. Institute of Peace