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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.

This research paper examines the relationship between protected areas (PAs) and conflict, arguing that conservation interventions are inherently political and can either exacerbate or mitigate tensions. The authors propose the adoption of Peace and Conflict Impact Assessments (PCIAs)—tools used in the humanitarian and development sectors—to ensure that Transboundary Protected Areas (TBPAs) contribute to peacebuilding and adhere to 'do no harm' principles, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

This 2010 position paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the legal and political tensions between the African Union (AU), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the International Criminal Court (ICC), specifically regarding the use of Article 16 of the Rome Statute to defer prosecutions of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

This research paper argues that current international and regional approaches to humanitarian military interventions in Africa are ineffective because they prioritize humanitarian aid over the restoration of security. The author proposes a new 'humanitarian security intervention' doctrine that emphasizes the coercive use of force to establish security as a prerequisite for humanitarian assistance and long-term peacebuilding.

This report summarizes a seminar held on October 28, 2009, in Addis Ababa, which discussed the development and enhancement of the African Union (AU) sanctions regime. The seminar focused on leveraging United Nations (UN) experience to build a robust AU framework, including the role of the AU's Sanctions Committee and the necessity of combining sanctions with diplomacy and monitoring mechanisms.

Notes from a 2009 seminar featuring Anneke Van Woudenberg regarding the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the failure of military operations against rebel groups, and recommendations for the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

A statement by African civil society organizations urging African States Parties to the Rome Statute to maintain their commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and reject an African Union (AU) decision to withhold cooperation in the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

This report summarizes a public seminar held on July 14, 2009, in Addis Ababa, which examined the security and political situation in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically North and South Kivu. The discussion focused on the role of armed groups, the effectiveness of military operations, the normalization of relations between the DRC and Rwanda, and the challenges facing the Congolese army and MONUC.

This research paper evaluates the quality of recommendations provided in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) reports for six pioneer countries, arguing that while the reports identify governance problems effectively, they often fail to provide actionable, concrete policy guidance.

This research paper analyzes the socio-economic dynamics of the mining industry in Kalima, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically comparing the impacts of industrial mining (historically led by Sominki and later Sakima) with current artisanal mining of cassiterite. The author argues that artisanal mining provides better employment, higher incomes, and more democratic working conditions for the local population than the previous industrial model, despite a decline in social services and local agriculture.

This research paper examines the social and economic impacts of artisanal cassiterite mining in Kalima, Maniema province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Based on 2007 fieldwork, the author argues that artisanal mining provides better employment, income, and working conditions for the local population than the previous industrial mining era, while remaining largely disconnected from the violent conflict seen in other DRC provinces.

This research paper by Steven Gruzd of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), examining its institutional origins, its relationship with the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), and its achievements in promoting good governance across Africa.

This research paper by Steven Gruzd evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), analyzing its origins within the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), its institutional challenges, and its impact on governance across the African continent as of April 2009.

This document is a summary report of an international conference titled “Towards an African Conflict Prevention Strategy,” held on March 9-10, 2009, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI), the event aimed to examine conflict prevention initiatives by the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to support the operationalisation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

This research paper by Paul Hoffman examines the role of accountability in making constitutionalism a reality, specifically within the context of post-liberation African societies. Using South Africa as a primary case study, the author evaluates the effectiveness of constitutional frameworks in limiting government power, maintaining domestic legitimacy, and protecting human rights.

This research paper by Paul Hoffman, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in March 2009, examines the role of accountability in making constitutionalism a reality in Africa. Using South Africa as a primary case study, the author argues that while constitutional structures may exist on paper, the actual practice of democracy is often undermined by power struggles among elites, corruption, and the erosion of independent oversight institutions.

This research paper by Yarik Turianskyi of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes common political governance issues in six African states—Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Algeria, South Africa, and Benin—based on their first National Review Reports (NRR) from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The author argues that there is a significant gap between constitutional intentions and practical reality, primarily due to a lack of 'constitutionalism,' which allows the executive branch to dominate the legislative and judicial branches.

This briefing analyzes the shifting political and military landscape in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the leadership change in the CNDP in January 2009 and the subsequent joint military operation between the DRC and Rwanda against the FDLR.

This research paper examines the adoption and implementation of the Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and Horn of Africa. It analyzes the role of the Regional Centre for Small Arms (RECSA) in coordinating efforts across 12 signatory states and identifies significant gaps between regional political commitment and national-level execution.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as of January 2009. It identifies key drivers of instability in North Kivu and outlines three potential scenarios for the region: the maintenance of the status quo, a return to war, or the establishment of peace through negotiations.