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This research paper by Mireille Affa’a Mindzie, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in August 2009, examines the role of human rights in African international relations. It analyzes the tension between the formal commitment to international human rights standards and the practical application of these standards in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, where national interests and the pursuit of 'African solutions to African problems' often take precedence.

The document outlines the conclusions and recommendations from a regional workshop held in Libreville, Gabon, from 21-23 May 2009. The workshop, jointly organized by the African Union (AU) Commission and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), focused on implementing the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and the ECCAS Border Programme (ECCAS-BP) within Central Africa.

This research paper argues that underdevelopment in Sub-Saharan Africa is driven by a structural power imbalance where political elites use state control to extract savings from the private sector—primarily peasants and multinational corporations—diverting these resources toward elite consumption and state repression rather than productive investment.

This research paper examines the role of transnational organised crime networks and 'middlemen' in fueling African conflicts through the illicit trade of weapons and natural resources. Using the case studies of Leonid Minin and Victor Bout, the document highlights the sophistication of these networks, their use of front companies and tax havens, and the systemic failures of international law enforcement and national legislation to prosecute sanctions-busting activities.

This research paper examines the relationship between governance, corruption, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, arguing that while good governance may not be the primary driver for short-term investment—particularly in resource-rich nations—it is essential for long-term economic stability and resource management.

This research paper examines the intersection of poor governance and the presence of unemployed former combatants in Africa, using the foiled 2004 coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea as a case study to highlight the risks of mercenary activity and the inadequacy of current legal frameworks.

This document is the editor's introduction to Monograph No 139, published by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). It outlines the monograph's objective to examine the growth, challenges, and regulation of private security companies (PSCs) and private military companies (PMCs) within Africa, specifically advocating for effective regulation to ensure regional peace and stability.

This briefing examines the state of regional integration in Central Africa, focusing on the roles and interactions of the Central Africa Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). It analyzes the institutional frameworks, the impact of colonial legacies, the influence of external actors like France and the EU, and the challenges posed by overlapping memberships and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.

This fact sheet provides a list of countries that have signed, ratified, or acceded to the African Union (AU) Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism as of 23 June 2006.

This policy brief series by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and IUCN examines the intersection of international trade, foreign aid, and security. It argues that current global trade rules and aid practices often exacerbate instability and conflict in developing countries by promoting economic dependence on volatile primary commodities, maintaining inequitable market access, and supporting unaccountable regimes. The document proposes a shift toward 'conflict-sensitive' policies, including the restriction of 'conflict resources,' the promotion of transparent natural resource revenue management, and the implementation of responsible business conduct to prevent the funding of violent conflicts.

This research paper examines the development and operationalization of the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) within the African Union (AU). It distinguishes early warning from traditional state intelligence, emphasizing a focus on human security and open-source data. The document reviews the transition from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the AU, the legal framework of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), and the varying stages of early warning system implementation across regional economic communities in West, Central, Southern, and East Africa.

This research paper examines the motivations, impacts, and competitiveness of South African business investment across Africa, while discussing the potential and pitfalls of regulating such investment behavior to address regional sensitivities and corruption.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies detailing the military coup in São Tomé e Principe on July 16, 2003, led by Major Fernando Pereira. The document outlines the immediate aftermath, the formation of a 'Military Junta for National Salvation', international reactions, and the internal political and military grievances that motivated the takeover.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the agricultural negotiation priorities for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It emphasizes that while food security is a central goal, success depends on moving beyond non-binding declarations toward binding commitments, particularly regarding export restrictions for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), domestic support, and public stockholding.

This briefing analyzes the agricultural negotiations for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), focusing on food security, domestic support, and the specific needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It argues that success depends on moving beyond non-binding declarations toward binding commitments to regulate food and agricultural trade.

This report provides a detailed development forecast for Equatorial Guinea up to 2043, utilizing the International Futures (IFs) forecasting platform. It contrasts a 'Current Path' scenario—based on existing policies and historical patterns—with various sectoral improvement scenarios and a 'Combined Agenda 2063' scenario. The analysis highlights a severe misalignment between the country's status as an upper middle-income nation, driven by oil wealth, and its poor development indicators, including pervasive extreme poverty and low life expectancy.

This document provides a concluding analysis and a set of policy recommendations for the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), highlighting structural challenges in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing that may prevent the region from achieving sustainable development targets by 2043.

This statement by Sabelo Gumedze of the Institute for Security Studies criticises the South African government for failing to implement the Anti-Mercenary Act of 2006, arguing that this inaction encourages South African mercenaries to participate in African conflicts, including alleged attempts to assist Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in Libya.

This statement by Tutu Alicante of EG Justice argues that the Obama administration should use the US-Africa Leaders Summit to pressure Equatorial Guinea for greater transparency, human rights, and judicial reform, highlighting the contrast between the country's oil wealth and the poverty of its citizens.

The report evaluates the AU Peace and Security Council's efforts in conflict resolution and regional stability, highlighting failures in Sudan's mediation due to biased mediator selection and a lack of political focus. It examines the limitations of PSC field missions, the rising death toll of humanitarian workers in Africa, and the role of illegal natural resource exploitation in funding armed groups. Finally, it discusses the need for greater African agency and strategic coordination in infrastructure and security partnerships with China through FOCAC.