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The briefing examines the failure of MONUC and the Congolese army (FARDC) to contain rebel movements in eastern DRC, highlighting allegations that MONUC provided logistical support to the FARDC during operations that benefited FDLR rebels. It details how neighboring countries—Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi—illegally support the FDLR through gold trade, weapons supply, and recruitment. The text argues that regional agreements, such as those from the Tripartite Plus Joint Commission and the Nairobi Communiqué, are being undermined by a lack of stakeholder commitment and international failures, including the presence of FDLR leaders in Germany and France. The author calls for a comprehensive strategy to neutralize all armed groups and a reformed disarmament approach for the FDLR.

The policy brief focuses on the security risks associated with Mozambique's fifth democratic election in October 2014, specifically regarding the role of Renamo and the need for sustainable measures to address rebel demands regardless of the election outcome to maintain a tenuous peace process.

This research monograph reviews literature on two distinct waves of forced migration to South Africa: Mozambicans fleeing civil war in the 1980s and people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arriving from the early 1990s onwards. It highlights the legal ambiguities and social marginalization faced by Mozambican refugees, as well as the significant socio-economic decline and lack of integration experienced by Congolese refugees.

This research paper examines the role of civilian stakeholders—specifically women, children, refugees, and internally displaced people—within the peace process of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arguing that treating war victims as stakeholders is necessary to end cycles of violence and marginalisation.

The document analyzes the anti-corruption framework in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2003 to 2006, assessing the effectiveness of existing laws and institutions. It identifies factors contributing to their success or failure and highlights gaps in national legislation relative to international legal instruments. The monograph concludes by proposing priority measures to improve the legal and institutional framework for combating corruption.

The document examines disarmament as a critical component of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) efforts within multinational peace support operations in Africa. It highlights the necessity of assessing local dynamics and sub-regional contexts to address insecurities, using the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as an example of how national crises spark regional instability. The text reviews the implementation of disarmament programmes in several African nations, noting that while success rates vary, Sierra Leone provides a recent example of successful conclusion. The monograph aims to provide a common framework of analysis by comparing the differing situations in Sierra Leone and the DRC to establish basic requirements for planning and implementing future disarmament programmes in Africa.

Recent research indicates that while ex-combatants in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan engage in diverse economic activities—primarily small businesses in the informal sector—their success is hindered by dilapidated infrastructure, predatory taxation, and limited access to credit. The study finds that sustainable peace is possible if reintegration continues, though risks remain higher for young unmarried males who may resort to criminal activities or re-militarization. The presence of mineral wealth in ungoverned spaces offers wealth accumulation opportunities but exposes ex-combatants to violence and extortion by armed groups.

The document examines the role of illegal mining in the conflict within the Eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It analyzes the failure of a 2010-2011 mining ban and the potential risks associated with the US Dodd-Frank Act's 'conflict minerals' legislation, such as economic losses and increased smuggling. The author contends that illegal mining is a manifestation rather than a primary cause of conflict, suggesting that sustainable peace requires addressing deeper issues through measures like decentralization to improve local governance and infrastructure.

This research paper examines the limited impact of international security sector reform (SSR) and stabilisation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2003, attributing failures to a technical approach that ignored political dynamics and elite incentives.

This research paper, based on a qualitative study conducted in April and May 2003, examines the exploitative gender dynamics and sexual abuse of local women and girls by peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) and Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). The author analyzes how financial disparities, power imbalances, and a 'peacekeeping economy' contribute to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), while evaluating the effectiveness of gender training and conduct committees in these missions.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the impact of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) military intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on sub-regional cohesion and the challenges facing future stability efforts.

The author contends that despite Equatorial Guinea's status as a major oil producer, the majority of its population lives in poverty while the ruling Obiang family amasses vast wealth through corruption. The text urges the Obama administration to denounce torture, seize ill-gotten US assets of the Obiang family, and support credible elections and independent media in Equatorial Guinea to move away from 'strongmen' toward 'strong institutions'.

The document warns that a proposed Protocol to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) would allow some countries to continue trading, stockpiling, and using cluster munitions, thereby weakening the international legal standard established by the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). It highlights that Africa is disproportionately affected by these weapons, with nearly a third of affected countries and territories located on the continent. The author urges African states to maintain their commitment to a total ban to avoid setting a dangerous legal precedent where a lower standard of international law is adopted after a higher one has already been agreed upon.

The document examines Uganda's threat to withdraw its forces from AMISOM, which follows allegations of Ugandan support for the M23 rebellion in the DRC. It highlights the risk that an untimely withdrawal without replacement could reverse security gains in Somalia and damage Uganda's reputation as a regional peace-broker. The briefing suggests the threat may be a political strategy to emphasize Uganda's contributions to international security, noting that diplomatic pressure, including a visit by US Ambassador Wendy Sherman, is likely being used to dissuade the withdrawal.

The report examines the migration of Congolese nationals to South Africa, noting a transition from elite migration during the late apartheid era to a larger influx of middle-class, educated refugees fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite high levels of human capital, these migrants face significant social dislocation, high unemployment, and systemic discrimination, often finding themselves in survivalist informal labor such as car guarding and hair cutting. The text highlights the role of ethnic 'tribes' as survival networks and the pervasive corruption within the Department of Home Affairs.

The research paper argues that land in eastern DRC has transitioned from a basis of social identity to a currency of political and economic power, fueling ethnic conflict. It details how colonial 'indirect rule' and post-colonial legislation, such as the 1973 General Property Law, created a dual system of tenure that marginalized rural populations and empowered elites. In Masisi and Ituri, this structural insecurity was manipulated by local and regional actors to trigger mass violence, with land becoming a 'resource' for warlords to consolidate power through the control of 'unfree labour'.

The document analyzes the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF), noting high prevalence rates and the risks associated with external deployments, such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It evaluates the ZDF's recruitment and in-service policies, highlighting a shift toward admitting only HIV-negative recruits. The report also discusses the broader national context of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, including a reported decline in adult prevalence to 20.1% by 2005, and recommends stronger civil-military cooperation and adherence to international non-discrimination standards.

The author argues that DDR processes often fail because they prioritize the visible technical aspects of disarmament and demobilisation over the difficult task of reintegration. In West Africa and the Great Lakes region, 'conflict economies' and the desire of local actors to retain power undermine peace accords. The document suggests that without transitioning from a conflict economy to a peace economy and addressing political grievances, DDR cannot prevent a return to violence.

The document examines the conceptual dimensions of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), arguing that standard Western models often fail to account for the specificities of sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights the paradox of 'demobilisation without mobilisation' in regions where only minorities were militarised, and discusses the critical role of reintegration's economic and social components. The author further explores interrelated concepts such as the 'peace dividend', conversion, peace-building, and the evolving definition of security, emphasizing that successful DDR is essential for establishing strong political institutions and sustainable development in post-conflict states.

The report details the outcomes of a conference held in Jinja, Uganda, from 11 to 13 March 2009, focusing on the impact of HIV and AIDS on African armed forces. It argues that the pandemic threatens regional security and development, specifically noting that recruitment policies based on health factors can lead to "grossly diminished soldier’s combat readiness." The participants recommend the creation of an African Network on HIV and AIDS in the military to spearhead a unified policy (CCAAHM) covering recruitment, the care of HIV-positive soldiers, and guidelines for peacekeeping deployments. Key proposed actions include adopting a common policy for control and prevention, integrating voluntary counseling and testing (VCCT) in pre-deployment, and conducting human rights assessments of HIV-related military policies.