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This research paper argues that Swaziland (now Eswatini) requires urgent political and institutional reform to address severe socio-economic crises, including widespread poverty, a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic, and an absolute monarchy that lacks accountability.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies assesses the progress and challenges of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) during its first term (2004–2009). The author argues that the PAP is an institutionally weak body due to its premature establishment, which bypassed the gradual integration stages outlined in the 1991 Abuja Treaty. Consequently, the PAP lacks legislative, budgetary, and supervisory powers, operating only as a consultative and advisory body with limited influence over the African Union (AU) executive.

This research paper by Raymond Louw argues that a free and independent media is an indispensable component of good political governance and a cornerstone of democracy. The author criticizes the African Union's (AU) African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for omitting media freedom from its criteria for good governance, suggesting this exclusion allows authoritarian states to achieve passing ratings. Through case studies of South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda, the paper demonstrates that these countries fail to recognize the media's essential watchdog role in their APRM reports. The document also highlights the 'Declaration of Table Mountain' and the prevalence of 'insult laws' across Africa that criminalize critical reporting of public officials.

This research paper by Raymond Louw, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in September 2008, argues that free and independent media are essential for good governance and democratic accountability. The author criticizes the African Union's (AU) African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) for omitting media freedom from its criteria for good governance, suggesting this exclusion is likely due to the prevalence of 'insult laws' across the continent. The paper examines case studies from Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, concluding that none of these countries fully recognize the media's 'watchdog' role in their national reports. It also discusses the 'Table Mountain Declaration' and provides specific proposals to integrate media freedom into the APRM questionnaire.

This research paper examines the legal possibilities and political obstacles to putting Robert Mugabe on trial, analyzing the roles of universal jurisdiction and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This research paper examines the role of product energy performance standards and processes and production methods (PPMs) in mitigating climate change and their interaction with international trade law. It argues that while energy efficiency standards are highly cost-effective and should be supported by trade regimes, PPM-based measures are more legally complex and controversial, particularly regarding their impact on developing country exporters and their consistency with WTO rules.

This 2008 research paper examines the concept of "embodied carbon"—the total CO2 emitted during a product's lifecycle from raw material extraction to delivery. It contrasts production-based emissions accounting with consumption-based accounting, noting that developed Annex B countries are typically net importers of embodied carbon. The paper discusses the potential for border carbon adjustments to address competitiveness imbalances but highlights significant legal uncertainties regarding non-discrimination principles in trade law and the technical challenges of data availability in developing nations.

This research paper examines the role of product standards, energy labelling, and processes and production methods (PPMs) in addressing climate change and their interactions with international trade law and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This research paper by Marianne Camerer examines the requirements for effective anti-corruption systems, particularly within the context of new democracies in Africa. The author argues that a single-agency approach is often insufficient and that sustainable reform requires a combination of data-driven policy, a matrix of legal and oversight institutions, ethical leadership, and active partnerships with civil society and the media.

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.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues that Zimbabwe requires a transitional caretaker government rather than a government of national unity to resolve its political crisis following the contested June 2008 election of Robert Mugabe.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues that Zimbabwe requires a transitional government rather than a government of national unity to resolve its political crisis following the widely condemned presidential election of June 2008.

A statement by the South African Institute of International Affairs reflecting on Africa Day 2008, arguing that celebrations of the continent's beauty and culture must be balanced with a critical assessment of governance failures, political instability, and humanitarian crises.

This report summarizes a seminar held in Pretoria on June 6, 2008, which focused on the relationship between national constitutions and the security sector to promote democratic values, peace, and security sector reform (SSR) in Africa.

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 research paper by Juliet Nakato Odoi examines the challenges and strategies for civil society participation in Uganda's African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process. It highlights the limitations of relying on umbrella organisations, the lack of transparency regarding draft documents, and the efforts of Minority Rights Group International (MRG) and Care International in Uganda to ensure the needs of ethnic minorities were represented in the Country Self-Assessment Report and the subsequent Programme of Action.

This practical handbook, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), provides guidance for Technical Research Institutes (TRIs) tasked with conducting research for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines the chronological process of creating Country Self-Assessment Reports (CSARs), offering strategies to manage the technical, managerial, and political challenges inherent in evaluating national governance.

This guide, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in June 2008, provides practical instructions for Technical Research Institutions (TRIs) conducting research for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It details the planning, methodology, and political navigation required to produce National Self-Assessment Reports (NSARs) and Action Plans (APs), drawing on experiences from pioneer countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

This research paper by Faten Aggad of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the Programmes of Action (PoAs) of the first six countries to undergo the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process. The author argues that PoAs often fail to address the recommendations of the Panel of Eminent Persons, confuse high-level objectives with concrete action items, and lack transparent costing and integration with existing national development plans.

This research paper by Faten Aggad, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in June 2008, analyzes the Action Plans (PA) of the first six countries to undergo the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process. The author argues that there is a significant gap between the recommendations issued by the Panel of Eminent Persons and the actual commitments adopted by governments in their Action Plans, often due to a lack of clear guidelines, a confusion between goals and specific actions, and the prioritization of national sovereignty over peer recommendations.