Africa Overview: April 2026
The war in Sudan spilled over into Chad, and Maiduguri in Nigeria faced simultaneous attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Analysis
Africa
Staff
Ladd Serwat
Senior Analyst, Africa
Dr. Ladd Serwat is ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst. He conducts and coordinates analysis, contributes to the oversight of regional data coverage, manages senior researchers, and serves as the main point of contact for partnerships and external engagement on the Africa desk.
With expertise on the Wagner Group, development policy, and land-related conflict in Africa, Ladd has over 15 years of experience in non-profits, academia, and the private sector. While working broadly across Africa, Ladd specializes in the Great Lakes region, where he has lived, traveled, and worked since 2008. Before joining ACLED, Ladd held several positions focused on humanitarian, development, and youth issues in Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the United States.
Ladd holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex, an MSc in African Development from the London School of Economics, and studied International Relations and French at Gonzaga University. His recent publications on the Wagner Group have been featured in major outlets such as TIME, The New York Times, and Le Monde.
Content by this author
Ladd Serwat on mass shooting in Nigeria's Plateau state
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst Ladd Serwat comments on a new attack in Nigeria´s Plateau as violence surges by 71%
The enemy of my enemy is my friend: How armed group alliances are shaping the battle for South Kivu
The violence in eastern DRC is increasingly shaped not only by military forces or the M23, but by the non-state armed group alliances that support them.
Ladd Serwat on anniversary of M23 formation in the DRC
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst Ladd Serwat comments on M23 resurgence on formation anniversary
Ladd Serwat on suspected suicide attacks in Nigeria
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst, Ladd Serwat, comments on the deadliest suicide attack in Nigeria since 2019
Ladd Serwat on the Congolose military’s involvement in Goma strikes
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst Ladd Serwat comments on the military offensive trying to recapture M23-held territory in Goma.
Ladd Serwat on drone strikes hitting Goma as forces target M23
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst Ladd Serwat comments on the military offensive aiming to recapture M23-held territory in Goma.
Ladd Serwat on the mass abduction in Ngoshe, Borno state
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst, Ladd Serwat, comments on the latest episode of violence in northeastern Nigeria.
Past events
ACLED Webinar | Tackling the Islamic State threat in Africa: State responses and the road ahead
Watch ACLED analysts on Somalia, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Great Lakes region, and northern Mozambique, for another in-depth analysis of IS’s pivot to Africa and the evolving nature of African regional security.
Webinar | The Islamic State’s pivot to Africa
The Islamic State is increasingly pivoting its operations toward Africa. Watch the recorded webinar for a deep dive with our experts as they examined IS’s expanding strongholds, providing insights into the actions of the group in five African regions.
