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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 examines the structural and capacity constraints that hinder the implementation of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) measures in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The author argues that global standards often fail to account for the continent's predominantly cash-based economies and informal financial systems, necessitating context-sensitive solutions rather than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.

This 2007 guide for parliamentarians examines how International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) can constrain domestic public policy. It highlights a systemic lack of parliamentary oversight in treaty negotiation and the use of international arbitration by foreign investors to challenge state regulations in countries like the US, Canada, and South Africa. The document details specific legal disputes, Bolivia's withdrawal from ICSID, and calls for greater transparency in UNCITRAL arbitration rules to protect human rights and state sovereignty.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the trade policy challenges facing Malawi due to its dual membership in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It analyzes the technical and political implications of these overlapping memberships, particularly as these regional economic communities move toward forming customs unions, and evaluates the impact on Malawi's trade profiles and its negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the 'aid for trade' initiative within the context of the WTO's Doha Development Agenda and its implications for Southern and Eastern Africa. It analyzes the recommendations of the WTO Aid for Trade Task Force, the role of the African Group, and the intersection of trade-related assistance with other multilateral frameworks like the Enhanced Integrated Framework (IF) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union.

This report chapter examines money laundering in Zimbabwe from 2004 to 2006, analyzing the impact of hyperinflation, the role of financial institutions in laundering schemes, and the adequacy of the country's legal and regulatory frameworks. It highlights a gap between the establishment of anti-money laundering (AML) infrastructure and the actual prosecution of offenders.

This introduction to Monograph No 132 examines the evolution of anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) frameworks in southern Africa between 2002 and 2007. It details the shift from a low level of awareness to the adoption of legislation influenced by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and United Nations conventions, focusing on structures of prevention, law enforcement, and international cooperation.

This report, published by the Institute for Security Studies in May 2007, examines the challenges and processes of Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Africa, with a specific focus on the Horn of Africa. It utilizes comparative case studies from South Africa and Sierra Leone to highlight the importance of democratic civilian oversight, local ownership, and the need to move beyond Eurocentric models of security. The document analyzes the systemic obstacles to reform in the Horn of Africa, including the legacies of liberation wars, the prevalence of militarized political cultures, and the impact of the global 'war on terror' on governance and human security.

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies examines the relationship between the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) regarding peace and security. It argues against a 'layered response'—where the AU assumes primary responsibility for peacekeeping to reduce UN costs—and instead advocates for an 'interlocking system' of shared logistics, staffing, and strategic management to ensure sustainable conflict prevention and reconstruction in Africa.

This briefing by Dr M Masiiwa of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the strategic options for Zimbabwe as it faces a choice between joining the proposed Customs Unions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). While Zimbabwe has stronger existing trade links and political ties with SADC, the document suggests a preference for COMESA due to its larger market, more balanced economic competition, and faster pace of integration.

This document is a highlights summary of a report by Friends of the Earth International analyzing the global performance of genetically modified (GM) crops between 1996 and 2006. It argues that GM crops have failed to provide superior yields, reduce pesticide use, or alleviate poverty and hunger, while noting significant public opposition in Europe and instances of environmental contamination.

This report summarizes a two-day workshop held in Geneva on April 11-12, 2007, which brought together 40 participants to share and discuss climate adaptation tools for international development. The workshop aimed to improve decision-making to reduce risks and identify opportunities associated with climate variability and change, specifically within the context of development assistance.

This executive summary describes the impact and research findings of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) internship program, which aims to develop the next generation of sustainable development leaders through on-the-job experience and international exposure.

This report details a seminar titled "Understanding Terrorism in Africa: Building Bridges and Overcoming Gaps," held on 19-20 May 2007 at the University of Cairo, Egypt. Organized by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Terrorism Studies and Research Program at the University of Cairo, with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event aimed to address gaps in counter-terrorism efforts and foster partnerships between North and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as between Africa and the West.

This report documents a conference held on 19–20 April 2007 in Pretoria, South Africa, organized by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). The event brought together academics, practitioners, and government officials to discuss the growth, regulation, and legal implications of the private security sector (PSS) in Africa, with a specific focus on the distinction between legitimate private security companies (PSCs) and mercenary activities.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the experiences of South African firms operating in Senegal. It describes Senegal as a stable, democratic gateway to Francophone West Africa with a strong macroeconomic profile, though it notes significant business constraints including rigid labour laws, corruption, and limited local disposable income.

This research paper examines the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a core component of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), analyzing the structural, financial, and political challenges that hinder its ability to hold African governments accountable for governance and socio-economic development.

This report discusses the World Health Organization's (WHO) role in addressing the impact of intellectual property and trade policies on public health, specifically highlighting how bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) may undermine the public health protections established by the Doha Declaration.

This report analyzes the experience of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) from 1995 to 2005 in developing and sustaining international development networks. It defines network sustainability not as indefinite existence, but as the ability of a network to function until it achieves its goals, becomes irrelevant, or members are no longer willing to continue. The document identifies four dimensions of sustainability—time, resources, relationships, and relevance—and outlines critical management capacities (strategic, internal, external, and financial) and adaptive capacity required for networks to survive growth and decline phases.

This research paper examines the relationship between gender equality and peace processes in Africa, arguing that conflict can serve as a catalyst for transforming patriarchal gender roles. Through a comparative analysis of UN peacekeeping missions in South Africa (UNOMSA) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), the author contends that the inclusion of a critical mass of women in peacekeeping enhances mission effectiveness and challenges traditional gender stereotypes.