Sub-Saharan Africa is a key region both for conservationists and those working for improved public health. Nine of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots are in sub-Saharan Africa, as are two of the five most important wilderness areas. This hotbed of biodiversity is also home to many of the world’s most rapidly growing populations and swelling urbanization, which is putting increased pressure on natural resources.

Since April 2012, a group of rebel forces calling themselves the March 23 Movement (M23) has engaged in violence with the Congolese national army, or FARDC. Not only has the insurgency led to constantly rising death tolls, but it has also heightened tensions between Great Lakes countries concerning North Kivu's porous borders and the authors of this violence.

Nigeria, a country of vast potential, is beset with enormous development challenges regarding governance, economic growth, and security.

Liberia is a case study in post-conflict violence against women, said panelists at the Wilson Center on July 24. “Confined merely to performing household chores and childrearing duties, from early childhood, women and girls have been socialized into subservience and powerlessness and acceptance of domestic abuse as a norm,” Annette Kiawu, deputy minister for research and technical services at the Liberian Ministry of Gender and Development, told the audience.