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This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute critically examines the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), arguing that its perceived success in promoting democracy was based on a narrow focus on elections while ignoring broader governance failures. The author contends that ECOWAS's tendency to defer to the interests of heads of state has led to a loss of legitimacy among citizens, contributing to a wave of coups since 2020 and the subsequent formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

This research paper examines the quality of climate adaptation knowledge produced through a co-design process in Sweden, arguing that traditional knowledge quality criteria are insufficient for understanding how knowledge is actually applied by decision-makers.

This policy briefing assesses the responsiveness of the G-20 to the concerns of sub-Saharan Africa between 2008 and 2012. Using a five-factor framework—goals, international law, administrative practice, comprehensive coverage, and co-ordinated specialisation—the author evaluates G-20 summit outcomes to determine if the interests of African nations, most of which are not G-20 members, are being adequately addressed.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the alignment of the G-20 food security agenda with the interests of the African continent. The analysis finds that while the G-20's commitments broadly align with African policy processes—particularly regarding food-price volatility, agricultural productivity, and nutrition—the G-20 has been slow to implement regulatory reforms and provide significant funding for African agriculture. The author argues that the G-20 often overlooks systemic issues requiring internal reform, such as biofuel policies and commodity speculation, which significantly impact food security in developing regions.

This research paper by Jakkie Potgieter for the Institute for Security Studies critically assesses the failure of disarmament components within United Nations peace support operations in Southern Africa, specifically focusing on UNAVEM II, UNAVEM III in Angola, and ONUMOZ in Mozambique. The author argues that ineffective disarmament and demobilisation have contributed to a regional proliferation of small arms, fueling crime and instability in countries including South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Malawi.