CSIORS Ethiopia: Ethiopia's Shifting Conflict Dynamics 2 : How Southern Oromia ... CSIORS Nigeria: Nigeria at a Crossroads: Security, Governance, and Social Cohe... CSIORS Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s New Religious “Wars”: Pentecostal Power, Orthodox R... CSIORS Ethiopia: Between resilience and structural fragility: Ethiopia and Nige... CSIORS Iraq: In Ninewa, Peace Holds but Trust Remains Fragile CSIORS MENA: Africa in the Era of Megaprojects: Hydropower, LNG, and the Ge... CSIORS Ethiopia: Ethiopia's Shifting Conflict Dynamics 2 : How Southern Oromia ... CSIORS Nigeria: Nigeria at a Crossroads: Security, Governance, and Social Cohe... CSIORS Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s New Religious “Wars”: Pentecostal Power, Orthodox R... CSIORS Ethiopia: Between resilience and structural fragility: Ethiopia and Nige... CSIORS Iraq: In Ninewa, Peace Holds but Trust Remains Fragile CSIORS MENA: Africa in the Era of Megaprojects: Hydropower, LNG, and the Ge...
Jan Záhořík
Active Contributor

Jan Záhořík

Senior Research Fellow

CSIORS

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Biography

Leading Africanist and social scientist, and the most prolific expert contributor at CSIORS with over 30 published analyses. Focuses on the modern and contemporary history and politics of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, as well as nationalism, identity, conflicts, inequalities, European-African relations, migration, and security in the West African Sahel. Head of the Center of African Studies at the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Associate professor and head of the MA program Development and Globalization (est. 2023). Has lectured at approximately 20 universities across Europe, the USA, and Africa. Received rector's Award for contribution to internationalization in research (2023). Author of the CSIORS publication "Ethiopia: Facing Multiple Crises" (2024). Extensive collaboration with universities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Libya.

Publications 33

Ethiopia's Shifting Conflict Dynamics 2 : How Southern Oromia Became the New Displacement Epicenter

A comprehensive analysis of evolving displacement patterns in Ethiopia, examining the relationship between the Tigray ceasefire and emerging tensions in southern Oromia.

Nigeria at a Crossroads: Security, Governance, and Social Cohesion Ahead of the 2027 Elections

2026 will decide Nigeria’s future. Without real security and governance reform, the 2027 elections risk accelerating fragmentation instead of democracy.

Between resilience and structural fragility: Ethiopia and Nigeria — two different paths to the same crisis

Ethiopia and Nigeria—two distinct health care paths revealing Africa’s struggle between resilience, inequality, and dependency.

Africa in the Era of Megaprojects: Hydropower, LNG, and the Geopolitics of Infrastructure

Africa’s megaprojects are reshaping sovereignty and power — from dams to LNG — redefining the continent’s role in global geopolitics.

Opening of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as part of Ethiopia’s Exceptionalism

GERD: Ethiopia’s exceptionalism or exposure? From Adwa’s legacy to Addis Ababa’s role, the Nile dam tells a bigger story.

France’s military departure from Senegal in broader perspective

France’s exit from Senegal marks more than a military move—it’s a sign of a broader African shift toward sovereignty, pragmatism, and multipolar power.

Africa’s Future in Aviation and Connectivity, Opportunity for Central Europe

Africa’s aviation boom is knitting the continent together—and opening fresh, high-value tech & training opportunities for Central-European partners.

Togo’s Potential Departure from ECOWAS: A Blow to Regional Integration and a Boon for Russian Influence in the Sahel

Togo’s potential exit from ECOWAS could fracture West African unity, weaken security cooperation, and open the door to greater Russian influence in the Sahel.

Eritrea's Role in Ethiopia’s Politics and Instability

Eritrea plays a dual role in Ethiopia—reinforcing central power while deepening fragmentation. A critical look at its paradoxical influence.

Why the World Need a More Developed Africa: reflections on Africa and the West in the Trump Era

"Trump wants USAID gone while China pours billions into Africa; if Europe keeps lecturing instead of investing, a 2.5‑billion‑person powerhouse will look East."

Nigeria between the West and BRICS: Reflections of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

Nigeria navigates between the West and BRICS, balancing economic and political interests while maintaining strategic autonomy in a shifting global landscape.

A Ticking Time Bomb?

Major Challenges in Higher Education in Nigeria and Ethiopia  Nigeria and Ethiopia are the two most populous countries in Africa. At the same time, bo

Where is Nigeria heading to? An Observation

Why is Nigeria struggling with rising protests, corruption, and insecurity? Where will its socio-economic reforms lead in a nation facing deep inequality?

Russia in Africa, Part 2: Central European Perspective

"Central Europe, including the Czech Republic, must reconsider ties with Africa, favoring sincere, mutually beneficial relations over an anti-Russian stance."

Russia in Africa, Part 1: Historical Perspective

Exploring Soviet and Russian influence in Africa, from Cold War military aid and diplomacy to modern-day educational collaboration and geopolitical strategies.

Czech-African Relations, Part 2: The New “Strategy” and the War in Ukraine

The Czech Republic's new Africa strategy aims to revive neglected ties through economic investment and partnerships but focusing too much on Russian influence.

Czech(oslovak)-African Relations, Part 1: Historical Perspective

"Uncovering the intriguing Cold War alliances and educational exchanges that shaped Czech(oslovak)-African relations."

Fragile Ethiopia: An insight from Amhara and Oromia regions

"The paper examines the socio-political turmoil in Amhara and Oromia regions, detailing local conflicts, public sentiment, and the impact on daily life"

Addis Ababa as part of the conflict in Ethiopia

"Addis Ababa's conflict involves Tigray, Amhara, and Oromo divisions, with significant demographic changes and political tensions exacerbating the situation."

Nigeria’s New Era, Part 3: Issue of Ethnic and National Identity

"Nigeria's ethnic identity crises, colonial impacts, and the need for reforms to foster unity and mitigate corruption."

Nigeria’s New Era, Part 2: Banditry, Violence, Insecurity and the Legacies of President Buhari

Dive into the roots of Nigeria's insecurity and the impact of Buhari's policies in "Nigeria's New Era Part 2"

Nigeria’s New Era, Part 1: Economic reforms, ECOWAS, and the role of Nigeria in West Africa

"Nigeria's pivotal role in ECOWAS & its reforms under Tinubu could redefine West Africa's socio-economic landscape & security dynamics."

ETHIOPIA - Facing Multiple Crises: An Insightful Publication by the Czech-Slovak Institute of Oriental Studies

CSIORS publication by Senior Advisor for Africa, Jan Záhořík, explores critical challenges facing Ethiopia.

The End of French dominance in the Sahel region? An essay

"Opinion Column: The Sahel Shift - Unpacking the End of French Dominance in Africa and the Rise of New Global Players."

Sahel Region: Turbulent times in Chad

"Examining Chad's Political Crisis, Socio-Economic Issues, French Influence, and Environmental Impacts on Sahel Agriculture."

Re-emerging Libya?

"Academic exploration highlights Libya's dichotomy of division and optimism, showcasing societal resilience and the anticipation of a united, hopeful future."

Ethiopia facing multiple crises, part III: the Amhara-Oromo conflict and what’s next?

"Exploring the critical Amhara-Oromo conflict amidst Ethiopia's looming crises, highlighting ethnic tensions, economic challenges, and uncertain future."

Ethiopia facing multiple crises, Part II: The Issue of Somaliland and the 'Periphery'

"Ethiopia-Somaliland deal sparks regional tension, affecting Afar people, risking security and fueling potential migration."

Ethiopia facing multiple crises, Part 1: Economic, Security, and Social Challenges

"Exploring Ethiopia's challenges in 2024: inflation, security issues, kidnappings, currency shortage, rising prices, and rural-urban migration."

Migration from West Africa to Europe: new waves, old problems

"Analyzing West Africa-Europe migration trends, EU-Tunisia agreements, COVID-19 impacts, and socio-political dynamics, including sex work challenges."

Senegal’s Fragile Future?

"Senegal's Uncertain Future: Rising Migration, Political Unrest, and Youth Discontent Amidst a Changing West Africa."

After the Coup in Niger: Towards the Changing Order in the West African Sahel?

"Exploring the emergence of a multipolar Sahel amid declining French dominance."

Nigeria after Elections: Challenges and Prospects

"Nigeria's post-election future: Urgent industrialization for change and stability."