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This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the political economy and organizational structures of armed groups in northern Mali, specifically Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Ansar al-Dine, and the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA). It details how these groups utilize a 'war economy' based on kidnapping for ransom and the taxation of illicit trafficking to fund their operations and gain local support in the absence of state presence.

This research paper analyzes the evolution of Senegal's foreign policy from 2000 to 2013, focusing on the transition from the administration of President Abdoulaye Wade to that of President Macky Sall. It examines the shift toward 'technicization' and economic diplomacy, the concentration of power within the executive branch, and the influence of pan-Africanism.

This research paper analyzes the foreign policy of Senegal from 2000 to 2013, highlighting a shift from traditional diplomacy to a technical, economy-driven approach under President Abdoulaye Wade. It details the concentration of diplomatic power in the presidency, the marginalization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the legislature, and the pursuit of South-South cooperation with emerging powers like China and Dubai. The paper concludes that the 2012 election of President Macky Sall marked a return to more classical diplomacy, prioritizing relations with France and neighboring states.

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 report examines the political and security shifts in Mali following the 2013 French military intervention. It notes a temporary strengthening of the interim presidency and a marginalization of the military junta, while highlighting the extreme difficulty of stabilizing the north due to the porous nature of armed groups and the lack of public trust in the MNLA. The author argues that while military gains were made, long-term stability requires deep governance reforms and a credible, inclusive electoral process rather than a simple return to the pre-coup political order.

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.

This briefing is a concept note for a conference titled "The APRM +10: Reviewing a Decade of Peer Learning and Projecting a Future of Governance in Africa," scheduled for May 17–18, 2013, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event aims to bring together African civil society organisations (CSOs) and governance structures to appraise the first ten years of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and plan for its second decade.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the political and security crisis in Mali following the March 2012 coup d'état. It examines the challenges of the transitional government, the efforts to manage the insurgency in northern Mali, the necessity of rebuilding the Malian army, and the complexities of planning an international military intervention and presidential elections.

In a speech delivered on 3 September 2012, Deputy Minister Ebrahim outlined South Africa's foreign policy and its role within the UN Security Council (UNSC), specifically regarding peace and security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). He advocated for the pacific settlement of disputes over military intervention, criticized the use of the veto by permanent UNSC members, and called for the reform of the Council to include permanent representation for Africa and Latin America.

This research paper analyzes the strategic challenges and opportunities facing South Africa during its second year as a member of the UN Security Council, focusing on its efforts to lead the African agenda and manage relations with other African states.

This December 2011 report by the Institute for Security Studies provides security analyses and early warning assessments for the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC). It focuses on the fragile post-election landscape in Liberia, escalating border conflicts and humanitarian crises between Sudan and South Sudan, the expanding threat of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) across the Sahel, and political instability in Burundi. Additionally, it examines the partnership and occasional divergences between the PSC and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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.

This February 2011 report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analysis and country updates for the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC). It focuses on the political instability in Tunisia following the ousting of President Ben Ali, the security and minority rights challenges surrounding the South Sudan referendum, the electoral stalemate and potential for civil war in Côte d’Ivoire, and the long-standing territorial dispute over Western Sahara. Additionally, it discusses the AU's focus on 'shared values' as a foundation for continental integration.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies discusses the status of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) in Africa during the Seventh Review Conference in December 2011. It advocates for the universalisation of the treaty across the continent, the strengthening of the BTWC's Implementation Support Unit (ISU), and the alignment of the convention with Africa's specific developmental and public health needs.

This briefing analyzes the implications of the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF) recommendations for Africa, focusing on the mobilization of US$100 billion per year in climate finance from developed countries. It highlights Africa's extreme vulnerability to climate change, its significant investment needs for adaptation and mitigation, and the necessity of public grants and regulatory reforms to attract private investment.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that despite criticisms regarding its ability to hold heads of state accountable, the system has successfully institutionalized governance monitoring, spurred national reforms, and promoted peer learning across the continent.

This research paper examines the African Union's (AU) challenge in addressing unconstitutional changes of government, specifically focusing on the tension between condemning incumbent leaders who manipulate constitutions to stay in power and condemning military coups that overthrow such leaders, using the situation in Niger as a primary case study.

This research paper evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), highlighting its achievements in promoting governance and self-reflection among African states while warning of current crises regarding transparency, leadership integrity, and the marginalization of civil society.

The document analyzes the second Africa South America summit held on 27-28 September 2009 on Margarita Island, Venezuela, focusing on efforts to strengthen South-South co-operation as a counterweight to Northern influence and the ideological divisions among participating nations.

This research paper examines the role of human rights in African international relations, arguing that while there is a robust framework of regional and international treaties, human rights often remain a "variable concern" subordinated to national interests and geopolitical strategies. The author analyzes the tension between international monitoring mechanisms and the pursuit of "African solutions to African problems," specifically highlighting the controversy surrounding the ICC arrest warrant for Omar Al-Bashir and the influence of China's non-interference policy on the continent.