Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis of Liberia

One of Africa’s outstanding advocates for justice, human rights and good governance, Emeritus Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis of Monrovia died Sunday May 19, 2013 in Monrovia, Liberia. A courageous preacher who spoke truth to power and advocated for the rule of...

African Woman Leaders

Liberian President — Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf — The first female president of Liberia and Africa’s first female head of state, she was elected in 2005 and re-elected in 2011. She served as Minister of Finance, and is one of three...

AFJN Briefs House Staff on AFRICOM

In June, AFJN staff member Beth Tuckey presented information on private security contractors in Africa to staffers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Her presentation was part of a larger briefing by the Resist AFRICOM coalition, to familiarize staffers with our...

Privatizing Violence in Africa

One of the goals of the United States’ new military command for Africa, AFRICOM, as defined by the Department of Defense (DOD) is to promote security and stability on the continent by increasing the security capability of African countries. This includes...

AFRICOM: Wrong for Liberia, Disastrous for Africa

by Ezekiel Pajibo and Emira Woods Just two months after U.S. aerial bombardments began in Somalia, the Bush administration solidified its militaristic engagement with Africa. In February 2007, the Department of Defense announced the creation of a new U.S. Africa...