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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.

This research paper by Mireille Affa’a Mindzie, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in August 2009, examines the role of human rights in African international relations. It analyzes the tension between the formal commitment to international human rights standards and the practical application of these standards in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, where national interests and the pursuit of 'African solutions to African problems' often take precedence.

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 by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes Ghana's 2008 general elections, characterizing the peaceful transfer of power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a significant step toward democratic consolidation. It examines the role of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the influence of ethno-regional voting patterns, and the lessons Ghana's experience offers for other African nations struggling with political stability.

This foreword introduces a country review of crime and criminal justice in Sierra Leone, produced as part of the second phase of the African Human Security Initiative (AHSI). The initiative aims to complement the NEPAD/APRM process by providing empirical evidence on criminal justice systems to encourage reforms that enhance human security and democracy.

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 briefing analyzes the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar in March 2009, where Andry Rajoelina took power following the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana. The document examines the legal basis for this transition, the failure of international mediation efforts, and the precedent set by Ravalomanana's own rise to power in 2002.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the evolution of France's relations with Africa, analyzing the transition from the traditional 'Françafrique' system of personalized power and influence toward a more multilateral, transparent partnership. It evaluates the tensions between official rhetoric of rupture—such as the 'doctrine de la Baule' and President Nicolas Sarkozy's promises—and the persistence of old habits, including the support of authoritarian regimes and the reduction of development aid.

This research paper examines South Africa's domestication of the Rome Statute through the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act 27 of 2002 (ICC Act). It analyzes how the Act enables the national prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, the establishment of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit, and the legal mechanisms for cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

The Handbook for African Civil Society is a guide designed to help civil society organizations (CSOs) actively participate in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines the APRM's five stages of review, its continental and national institutional structures, and the four thematic areas of governance it assesses. The manual provides strategic advice for CSOs to move from passive participants to leaders in the process, highlighting potential obstacles such as government fear and resource scarcity, while offering methods to influence power levels within the mechanism to promote good governance and socio-economic development in Africa.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines a business-centric vision for Africa's economic development, arguing that the continent must prioritize political stability, basic infrastructure maintenance, access to credit, and the rule of law over large-scale projects or long-term social goals to achieve immediate growth.

NEPAD is experiencing a credibility crisis due to a failure to implement concrete projects despite its visionary goals. While the Secretariat views its role as a catalyst for regional and national action, leaders like Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade criticize the lack of realized projects. African Development Bank data confirms low implementation rates for infrastructure projects, while barriers such as regional capacity gaps, donor inconsistencies, and internal corruption are cited as primary obstacles.

This research paper by Romy Chevallier of the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the shift in French foreign policy toward Africa under President Nicolas Sarkozy. It describes a transition from 'la Françafrique'—characterized by colonial ties and personal relationships with corrupt elites—toward a multilateral 'Eurafrique' model based on economic partnerships and European integration.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs assesses South Africa's foreign policy, economic relations, and security role within Africa since 1994. It highlights the transition from the 'principled' approach of the Mandela era to the 'pragmatic' African Renaissance agenda under Thabo Mbeki, while noting the tensions between South Africa's regional economic dominance and its desire to avoid being perceived as a 'big brother'.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes China's preferential trade policy for African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). While the policy is designed to align with the export capacities of these nations, the author argues that its economic impact is modest compared to its symbolic and diplomatic value in signaling China's rise as a global power and alternative to Western donors.

This fact sheet describes the 'Integrating Climate and Development' project in Thailand, a program running from March 2008 to December 2009. Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) and partnered with Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the project aims to fill the gap in concrete analysis regarding the integration of climate policies into national development plans.

This research paper analyzes the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a tool for democratic institution building. It finds that while the APRM aims to foster transparency and dialogue, its progress is stalled by a lack of political will, technical capacity gaps, and financial shortages. The author argues that African governments often act as gate-keepers, limiting genuine public participation and the implementation of recommendations. The paper highlights the disparity in progress among member states, noting that by 2007, only Ghana had completed the full review process.

This research paper by Prince Mashele of the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), contrasting it with previous African socio-economic initiatives. The author argues that NEPAD differs from its predecessors through its acceptance of globalisation, its defined administrative structures, and the introduction of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to address domestic governance. While the paper notes progress in policy development and specific infrastructure and agricultural projects, it highlights significant challenges regarding implementation capacity, funding gaps, and a lack of continent-wide political ownership.

The Sustainable Development Timeline is a fact sheet published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) that chronicles key environmental, social, and economic milestones from 1962 to 2005. It tracks the evolution of sustainable development through the formation of advocacy organizations, the publication of influential scientific reports, the adoption of international treaties, and the occurrence of major environmental disasters.