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This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines community perceptions of organized crime and illicit trafficking in West Africa and the Sahel, specifically focusing on Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Niger. It argues that in regions where the state is absent or corrupt, trafficking is often viewed not as a crime but as a necessary survival strategy and a sign of social success. The document details a 'vicious cycle' where poverty, crime, and state deprivation reinforce each other, leading to the erosion of traditional social norms and the infiltration of criminal networks into state institutions.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines community perspectives on organized crime and illicit trafficking in West Africa and the Sahel, specifically focusing on Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Niger. It argues that in regions with weak state presence and extreme poverty, trafficking is often viewed not as a crime but as a necessary survival strategy and a legitimate path to social success. The document details how this criminal economy erodes traditional authority, fuels corruption at all levels of government, and creates a cycle of state alienation, while proposing community-led solutions centered on state integrity and sustainable economic alternatives.

This research paper examines Brazil's strategic shift toward the South Atlantic, driven by the discovery of pre-salt oil and gas reserves. It details Brazil's efforts to secure these resources through naval modernization, legal claims to extend its continental shelf, and expanded military cooperation with African nations to establish a regional identity and deter outside powers.

This research report examines the critical role of mangroves in Mozambique for coastal protection and carbon sequestration, highlighting the conflict between their conservation and the expansion of extractive industries like oil and gas. It argues for an 'ecosystem services approach' to integrate ecological value into economic planning and recommends the adoption of Blue Carbon financing to incentivize restoration and protection.

This policy brief examines the implications of a 2013 US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation that targeted high-level cocaine traffickers in Guinea-Bissau, specifically former navy chief José Américo Bubo Na Tchuto and army chief António Indjai. While the operation signaled an end to institutional impunity, the authors argue that without a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the national justice system and ensure democratic transitions, the shift in power dynamics could trigger further instability and military backlash.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the role of African states in the international nuclear security agenda, specifically in the context of the Nuclear Security Summit process and the 2013 IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security. It argues for increased African engagement and cooperation to balance the peaceful use of nuclear technology with security requirements.

The April 2013 Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analysis and country-specific assessments for Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic (CAR), focusing on political instability, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises.

This April 2013 report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analyses for the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC), focusing on political crises and instability in Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic.

This research paper analyzes the diplomatic and strategic relationship between Senegal and Guinea-Bissau from 2000 to 2012, focusing on the foreign policy of President Abdoulaye Wade. It examines how Senegal utilized its economic power, diplomatic networks, and patronage to influence its neighbor, primarily to secure its southern border and combat the MFDC separatists in Casamance. The document details the shift from a period of Senegalese dominance to a more contested environment characterized by the rising influence of Angola.

This research paper by Tony Chafer, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in April 2013, examines the multifaceted relations between France and Senegal from 2000 to 2012. It analyzes the historical context, economic ties, cultural exchanges, military cooperation, and political tensions, particularly during the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade, and looks toward the transition to the presidency of Macky Sall.

The February 2013 Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report by the Institute for Security Studies provides analysis on critical security threats and political transitions across Africa. It focuses heavily on the upcoming general elections in Kenya, the military intervention and political transition in Mali, and the protection of women and children in armed conflict. Additionally, it reviews the outcomes of the 20th AU Assembly summit, including discussions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, and Somalia.

This research paper by Tony Chafer, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, examines the multi-dimensional relationship between France and Senegal from 2000 to 2012. It analyzes the historical context, economic ties, cultural exchange, military cooperation, and political tensions, particularly during the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade, and looks forward to the transition under President Macky Sall.

The September 2012 Peace and Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies provides analysis on early warning issues in Africa, focusing on the electoral risks in Kenya, the democratic transition in Egypt, and a retrospective of the 19th African Union (AU) Summit.

This briefing note from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) summarizes a daily meeting held on July 18, 2012, in Pretoria. The primary focus of the session was the election of South Africa's Home Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, as the head of the African Union (AU) Commission and the potential implications of her leadership.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The author finds that South Africa has become more confident, increasing its co-sponsorship of resolutions and successfully promoting its 'African Agenda,' particularly regarding cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union (AU).

This briefing outlines the key agenda items for the 18th African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa from 23-30 January 2012, including leadership elections, budget approvals, and the inauguration of a new headquarters building.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the military coup in Guinea-Bissau on April 12, 2012, framing it as part of a recurring pattern of political instability and military interference in the state's governance.

This policy briefing examines the role of Chinese state-owned and private financial institutions in Mozambique. It highlights the activities of the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank), the China Development Bank (CDB), and the Luso-Chinese fund Geocapital, noting that while these entities possess significant capital and political connections, they have struggled to attract substantial Chinese investment due to poor strategic planning and institutional capacity gaps within Mozambique.

This briefing analyzes the political structure of Angola between 2008 and 2010, arguing that the state operates through two parallel ruling structures: a formal government led by the MPLA and a more resilient 'shadow' government controlled by the presidency. The author examines how President José Eduardo Dos Santos uses this dual system, supported by the national oil company Sonangol, to maintain power, manage patronage, and marginalize potential rivals within the party and the state.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the African Union's (AU) principle of rejecting unconstitutional changes of government. It analyzes the 'democrat's dilemma'—the tension between maintaining constitutional order and supporting popular uprisings against authoritarian regimes—specifically in the context of the 2011 Maghreb revolutions.