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This briefing paper examines the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Libya following UN Security Council Resolution 1970, analyzing the legal implications of the referral, the challenges of enforcement within the African context, and the tension between international justice and military intervention under Resolution 1973.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of safeguards and the pursuit of 'multiple benefits' within the REDD+ mechanism established by the Cancun Agreements. It explores how safeguard systems can move beyond a 'do no harm' approach to actively promote sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation. The document analyzes various international safeguard standards, reviews how developing countries are integrating these into their Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs), and discusses the institutional and financial challenges of creating a transparent information-sharing system for monitoring compliance.

This March 2011 report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analysis and country-specific assessments for the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC). It focuses on the democratic transitions in Egypt and Niger, the persistent insecurity in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and an analysis of the 16th AU Assembly summit.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the energy-based relationship between India and Africa. It analyzes India's strategic need to diversify its energy imports away from the Middle East and its efforts to build a sustainable, development-oriented partnership with African nations that moves beyond simple resource extraction to include capacity building and renewable energy cooperation.

This research paper by Ruchita Beri for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the evolution of India's relations with African nations. It analyzes the transition from an early policy based on ideological support for decolonization and non-alignment to a more pragmatic approach centered on economic diplomacy, energy security, and capacity building. The document details trade growth, diverse investment patterns across various sectors, and technical cooperation initiatives, while discussing the geopolitical drivers and challenges India faces in its engagement with the continent.

This research paper analyzes the geopolitical and economic complexities surrounding the potential independence of Southern Sudan following its 2011 referendum. It highlights the critical interdependence between Juba and Khartoum, particularly regarding oil infrastructure, border demarcation, and regional stability in the Nile Basin.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the security challenges and potential scenarios surrounding the January 9, 2011, referendum on South Sudan's right to secede from Sudan. It examines the political dynamics between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), the risks of a return to war, and the roles of regional and international actors in maintaining stability during the transition.

This fact sheet describes the Global Connectivity Program of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), which focuses on the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the 'global connectivity system' in advancing sustainable development.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reviews Internet public policy and governance in West Africa. It examines the region's telecommunications infrastructure, the impact of privatization and liberalization, and the results of a 2010 survey conducted across seven West African countries to gauge stakeholder interest in national and regional Internet Governance Forums (IGFs).

This workshop report, compiled by Nyambura Githaiga for the Institute for Security Studies, analyzes the regional dimensions of conflict in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. It examines the interconnectedness of political instability, human rights violations, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), alongside the role of natural resources in financing armed groups. The document evaluates the effectiveness of regional bodies such as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the East African Community (EAC) in promoting sustainable peace and managing forced displacement.

This conference report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, examines the political dynamics and institutional structures that influence decision-making within the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), as well as their interactions with the European Union (EU).

This workshop report, published by the Institute for Security Studies in 2011, documents a gathering in Johannesburg focused on the advances, challenges, and prospects of policing oversight in Africa. It examines the necessity of accountability to protect human rights, analyzes regional frameworks such as SADC and the East African Community, and provides case studies from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. The report outlines a plan of action to strengthen oversight through education, networking, and legislative reform.

This workshop report, compiled by Eric Scheye for the Institute for Security Studies, details discussions held in March 2011 regarding the promotion of the rule of law (RoL) in Africa. The document critiques traditional donor-led 'institutional capacity development' models, arguing that RoL is primarily a political rather than technical challenge. It advocates for a shift toward service-delivery and problem-solving approaches that recognize legal pluralism, the role of non-state justice providers, and the specific needs of marginalized groups, particularly women.

This report summarizes an expert roundtable held on September 30, 2010, regarding the potential secession of Southern Sudan following its scheduled January 2011 self-determination referendum. It examines the unresolved issues between Northern and Southern Sudan, the internal challenges facing a potential new state, and the resulting security and economic implications for the Horn and central Africa regions.

This report, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), examines the concept and application of "best practices" within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It analyzes 12 Country Review Reports (CRRs) to identify indigenous governance solutions and argues that a lack of conceptual clarity regarding what constitutes a "best practice" hinders the APRM's ability to facilitate peer learning and sustainable reform across the continent.

This 2011 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the relationship between urban sanitation system trends in developing regions and the disposal of menstrual absorption materials. It identifies that menstrual products, particularly those with super-absorbent materials, frequently cause blockages in water-borne sewerage systems and accelerate the filling of on-site pit latrines. The report argues that menstrual management is largely ignored in sanitation design and advocates for the integration of women's needs and the promotion of solid waste disposal routes for menstrual materials.

This report documents a workshop held on August 31, 2010, regarding the impact of global financial reforms—specifically the G20's push for Basel III—on trade in financial services within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The discussions highlight the dominance of South Africa as a net exporter of financial services in the region and the potential for new regulatory barriers to emerge as South Africa implements global standards, which may reduce funding for riskier African prospects and infrastructure projects.

This research paper examines the concept of 'exceptionalism' in China's foreign policy toward Africa, analyzing the gap between Beijing's official rhetoric of mutual respect and non-interference and the practical challenges of implementing these principles amidst growing economic interests and the autonomy of sub-state actors.

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 economic impact of the 2010 European airspace closure caused by the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland on African trade. It highlights the vulnerability of agricultural exports—specifically perishables like flowers—and argues that the crisis serves as a wake-up call for African nations to diversify their export destinations beyond Europe to include South-South trade partners like Brazil, India, and China.