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This research paper examines the viability of a regional peacekeeping force in Somalia following a UN Security Council vote in December 2007. It analyzes the instability caused by the conflict between the Transitional Federal Government and the Union of Islamic Courts, the role of Ethiopian military intervention, and the challenges of assembling an African Union-led force. The author specifically evaluates South Africa's capacity and willingness to contribute troops, concluding that South Africa has opted out due to existing commitments and the high risk of failure in a country without a formal ceasefire.

This research paper examines the root causes, obstacles, and potential peace-building strategies for the Somali conflict. The authors argue that the civil war, which began after the ousting of General Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, is driven by competition for power and resources, state repression, and a colonial legacy, further exacerbated by politicized clan identities and the availability of weapons. The paper identifies Ethiopia's hostile foreign policy and the interests of local warlords as primary obstacles to peace and proposes a comprehensive strategy involving security, clan-based power-sharing, economic redevelopment, and Islam-informed peace education.

This conclusion section of a research paper examines the complex role of remittances and diasporas in Africa South of the Sahara, highlighting the tension between their necessity for survival in impoverished states and the risks of criminal abuse and economic instability.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues that transitioning Somalia from conflict to post-conflict stability requires shifting security responsibilities from military forces to an enhanced, professional police force to protect liberated areas from al-Shabaab's guerrilla tactics and build public trust.

This briefing discusses a decline in piracy in the Gulf of Aden during early 2012, attributing the drop to maritime security practices and international naval tactics, while warning that corruption within the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the diversion of pirate skills into other crimes threaten long-term stability in Somalia.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the African Union's (AU) strategy to increase troop levels for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) following suicide bombings in Uganda in July 2010.

This briefing discusses the death of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi at age 57 and the subsequent concerns regarding Ethiopia's political stability. It examines the legal transition of power to Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Zenawi's legacy in economic development and security, and the potential for instability within the ruling ethnic-based coalition.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the transition of Somalia toward a post-transitional government following the 2012 presidential election. While noting progress in security and political milestones, the authors identify three critical risks: grievances stemming from the peace process, the conflict of interest among transition leaders acting as both referees and players, and the potential evolution of Al-Shabaab's tactics following the loss of Kismayo.

This report analyzes the contradictions in United States strategy in Somalia between 2001 and 2007, specifically the attempt to combine counter-terrorism efforts with state building in a 'failed state'.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues that combating piracy off the coast of Somalia requires a simultaneous, coordinated effort on land and sea. It highlights the economic dilemma where piracy remains lucrative while alternative livelihoods are limited, and emphasizes that the establishment of a functional Somali state, secure infrastructure, and the development of coastal fisheries are essential for long-term stability.

This briefing examines Uganda's threat to withdraw its forces from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) following allegations of Ugandan support for the M23 rebellion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the fragile state of Somalia in early 2005 following the election of President Abdullahi Yusuf. It details the complex geopolitical maneuvering between the Transitional National Government (TNG) and the Ethiopian-backed Somali Reconciliation and Reconstruction Council (SRRC), the role of IGAD states in the peace process, and the significant challenges the new transitional government faces in establishing authority, including dependence on external support and internal factionalism.

This conclusion section of a research paper examines the economic and political role of diasporas and remittances in Africa and other micro-states, highlighting the tension between the survival necessity of remittances and their potential for misuse in money laundering or funding criminal activities.

The OAU Council of Ministers' 22nd Ordinary Session in Kampala (April 1974) produced resolutions addressing internal financial irregularities, the adoption of the 1974/75 budget, and support for Sahelian countries facing drought. Key diplomatic positions included support for the PLO in the Middle East, opposition to the US-UK base at Diego Garcia, and the endorsement of Amadou Mahtar M'Bow for Director General of UNESCO. The Council also approved financial aid for Guinea-Bissau and proposed a tax-funded mechanism to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on developing nations.

This January 2013 report from the Institute for Security Studies provides an analysis of peace and security issues across Africa, focusing on the M23 rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the performance of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the state of North African Regional Economic Communities, and the implementation of the Treaty of Pelindaba regarding nuclear-weapon-free zones.

This May 2013 report from the Institute for Security Studies provides an analysis of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) activities, focusing on the political situation in Zimbabwe, the strategic review of the AMISOM mission in Somalia, and the institutionalization of the Pan-African Network of Sages (PanWise).

This March 2016 issue of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report, published by the Institute for Security Studies, analyzes the effectiveness of the African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council. It examines the limited impact of the PSC's open sessions on migration and natural resources, the socio-economic recovery and security challenges in Somalia, and the policy failures regarding the proposed military intervention in Burundi. Additionally, it features an interview with mediator Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah on the AU's capacity to resolve conflicts.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report Issue 79 analyzes several African security crises, including institutional instability in Guinea-Bissau, the military approach to al-Shabaab in Somalia, contested elections in Chad and the Republic of Congo, and the AU's diplomatic efforts in Burundi. It also features an interview with Ambassador Frederic Ngoga Gateretse on early warning systems and structural conflict prevention.

This report summarizes a conference titled 'Unpacking the Somali Conflict' held on 21 January 2009 in Pretoria, South Africa. The event brought together experts to discuss the complexities of the crisis in Somalia, the role of international and regional actors, and the challenges facing the Transitional Federal Government and peacekeeping missions like AMISOM.