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This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies argues for the inclusion of women in peace negotiations, peace-building, and post-conflict reconstruction in Africa. It examines the gender-based violence women face during conflict, the historical exclusion of women from political processes, and the potential of international and regional rights-based frameworks—such as those from the UN and AU—to secure gender equality and political representation.

A fact sheet from the Institute for Security Studies detailing the number of military observers, troops, and police contributed by 32 African countries to UN peacekeeping missions as of the end of April 2006.

The research paper argues that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are insufficient for developing Africa because they focus on the symptoms of poverty rather than the underlying causes of economic stagnation. The author contends that by prioritizing measurable social targets over growth and productivity, the MDGs create an opportunity cost that diverts resources from essential commercial infrastructure, technical skills, and governance reforms. To address these gaps, the document proposes a set of 'African Millennium Growth Goals' focused on infrastructure, rural economies, skills, financial systems, and the rule of law.

This briefing by Hubert Kabungulu Ngoy-K. analyzes the evolution of political trends and power dynamics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1990 to 2005. The author argues that Congolese political parties generally lack genuine ideology or social projects, instead operating through ephemeral alliances, 'cartellization,' and interests based on ethnicity, region, or personal gain.

This research paper analyzes the impact of United Nations (UN) Panel of Experts missions in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between 1999 and 2002. The author argues that these panels serve as critical peace-building tools by providing credible, independent investigations into sanctions violations and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which in turn reduces the military capacity of spoilers and criminalizes the activities of those fueling conflict.

This conference report, prepared by Masiiwa Rusare of the Trade & Development Studies Centre (TRADES Centre), documents a regional meeting held in September 2005 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The event focused on the experiences of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) in negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union (EU). The report details the institutional structures of the negotiations, areas of convergence and divergence between the two regional blocs and the EU, the specific interests of South Africa, and the challenges of integrating non-state actors and the poor into the trade process.

This research paper analyzes the challenges facing the SADC-EPA group in negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union, focusing on the complexities of multiple membership in regional trade blocs and the impact of the Trade and Development Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) between South Africa and the European Community.

This research paper examines the relationship between disarmament and the post-conflict reconciliation process in Rwanda following the 1994 genocide. It argues that while the Rwandan government has focused on reconciliation through mechanisms like the gacaca courts and regional small arms agreements, the failure to implement a comprehensive internal disarmament program for civilians and ex-combatants undermines lasting security and trust. The author highlights the complexities of disarming groups in a porous region, specifically the threat posed by Hutu militias in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and proposes integrating disarmament into the broader security sector reform and reconciliation framework.

This situation report analyzes the security dynamics in the Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of Congo as of May 2005. It details the transition from a violent inter-ethnic conflict between Hema and Lendu groups to a period of forced disarmament driven by a UN ultimatum. While significant numbers of combatants have disarmed, the report highlights critical risks including the lack of timely reinsertion support from the UNDP, the predatory behavior of underpaid FARDC troops, and the continued influence of regional actors like Uganda and Rwanda.

This 2005 IISD report analyzes the impact of EU trade policy on conflict in the developing world. It highlights a contradiction: while the EU uses 'soft power' initiatives (like FLEGT and the Kimberley Process) to curb conflict resources and 'carrots' (preferential access) to encourage good governance, its structural policies—such as massive agricultural subsidies and the push for reciprocal Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)—can undermine economic stability and fuel conflict. The report warns that commodity price volatility and the 'resource curse' further destabilize low-income countries, and recommends that the EU conduct conflict assessments of trade agreements and reduce agricultural subsidies to promote global peace and sustainable development.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Africa, analyzing their potential to address infrastructure and service backlogs. Through eight case studies across sectors including transport, telecommunications, water, power, and eco-tourism, the document argues that while PPPs can offer efficiency gains and fiscal benefits, they are not a 'magic bullet' and are susceptible to the same failures as full privatisation, such as corruption, poor pricing, and lack of transparency. The report provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for African governments to improve regulatory frameworks, conduct thorough feasibility studies, and build institutional capacity to ensure PPPs deliver value for money and social benefit.

This situation report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the progress and obstacles of security sector reform (SSR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during its transitional government period (2003-2005). It focuses on the integration of the national army (FARDC), the restructuring of the national police (PNC), and the implementation of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs.

This report summarizes a 2004 workshop on renewable energy for decentralized rural electricity in developing countries. It concludes that while technologies like solar PV, mini-hydro, wind, and biomass are available, their adoption is hindered by cost, financing, and technical capacity. The report emphasizes that technology choice must be driven by local needs and productive uses of energy to alleviate poverty. It recommends that donors support national policies, accept higher risks for new technology adaptation, and encourage 'clustering' of projects to ensure sustainable maintenance and service.

This research paper argues that the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are insufficient for developing Africa because they focus on the symptoms of poverty rather than the underlying causes of economic stagnation. The author contends that the MDGs act as a 'political camouflage' that diverts resources away from growth-oriented investments. To address this, the paper proposes a comprehensive set of 'African Millennium Growth Goals' focused on commercial infrastructure, rural economy investment, technical skills, financial reform, and the removal of bureaucratic and corrupt obstacles to business.

This research paper examines the tension between the RPF government's public commitment to national unity in post-genocide Rwanda and its internal practice of political coercion. While acknowledging the RPF's achievements in stability and repatriation, the author details the systematic silencing of opposition figures, the lack of judicial independence, and the use of 'divisive' labels to criminalize dissent.

This research paper, authored by Rachel Goldwyn and Jason Switzer, critiques existing impact assessment tools used by the extractive industry—specifically Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Social Impact Assessments (SIA), and political risk analysis—from a conflict-sensitive perspective. It argues that while these tools are standard, they often fail to identify or mitigate the drivers of violent conflict. The authors propose the development of a Conflict-Sensitive Business Practice (CSBP) toolbox to integrate conflict analysis into the project lifecycle, helping companies minimize their contribution to violence and contribute to peacebuilding.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the incidence, magnitude, and control of money laundering in Southern Africa. It analyzes predicate crimes—primarily drug trafficking and corruption—the role of informal remittance systems, and the legislative and institutional challenges facing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in implementing anti-money laundering frameworks.

This report evaluates the legislative and institutional capacity of several East and Southern African countries—specifically Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, and Malawi—to detect and control money laundering and terrorist financing. It identifies systemic weaknesses, including a lack of dedicated anti-money laundering (AML) laws in some states, poor inter-agency cooperation, and the vulnerability of both formal and informal financial sectors to the laundering of proceeds from corruption, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

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.

This research paper analyzes the IGAD Peace Initiative in Sudan as it approached a signed agreement between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in 2004. The author argues that while the first stage of the process successfully identified core conflict issues, the subsequent transitional period requires a shift from elite-driven negotiations to a transparent, inclusive, and democratic process to avoid implosion. The paper emphasizes that internal stability in Sudan is inextricably linked to the rehabilitation of its contentious bilateral relations with neighboring states in the Horn of Africa.