China needs African resources to sustain its domestic economy, and the projects in Africa provide a destination for excess Chinese labor.

Stratfor Africa analyst Mark Schroeder discusses the re-election of South African President Jacob Zuma and the country's efforts to expand its international influence.

Pretoria is attempting to expand its regional influence by investing in projects across the continent.

Boko Haram has killed roughly 770 people this year, but the Nigerian government has successfully eroded the group's capabilities.

The attacks indicate that an organization is developing its militant capabilities through trial and error.

The M23 rebel group has been locked in a standoff with the Congolese military since Nov. 20.

Al Qaeda may have targeted Col. Elhadji Ag Gamou because he could serve as a valuable asset for a potential intervention force in Mali.

Violence between the Toubou and Zuwaya tribes in southeastern Libya could increase unless the fledgling government finds a way to deal with tribal disputes.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and its proxies have taken control of two towns along the southwest approach to Timbuktu that would likely be used by a prospective international intervention force.

The military is the main tool through which the regime controls Sudan's predominantly Muslim core territory along the Nile.