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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 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, 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 policy brief by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines how developing countries can plan Climate Compatible Development (CCD) by balancing domestic priorities with the requirements of international funding and accountability frameworks. Drawing on lessons from the Rio Conventions and Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) processes, the document provides recommendations for multi-stakeholder engagement, evidence-based planning, integrated policy frameworks, and effective monitoring and evaluation to ensure that climate adaptation and low emissions development (LED) are successfully institutionalized.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 50 years after independence, focusing on the challenges of territorial consolidation, resource governance, and the transition of UN peacekeeping operations.

This August 2010 report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analysis on several African security issues. It focuses on Kenya's constitutional referendum, the potential for water-related conflict in the Nile Basin, the transition to democracy in Guinea, and the results of the presidential election in Somaliland. Additionally, it reviews the annual consultative meeting between the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the UN Security Council (UNSC), the operationalisation of civil society engagement via the Livingstone Formula, and the outcomes of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Review Conference in Kampala.

This research paper explores the complexities of resource governance in Africa, examining how the extraction of minerals and oil often triggers conflict driven by greed and grievance. The author argues for a transition from violent political struggle to a discourse of cooperation and the creation of transparent institutional structures to ensure that resource wealth benefits local communities and national development rather than fueling instability.

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.

This research paper summarizes a February 2010 roundtable discussion hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding the progress and future prospects of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The discussion, featuring representatives from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the APRM Secretariat, and civil society, evaluates the mechanism's achievements in promoting governance and accountability across Africa while identifying systemic failures in implementation, funding, and leadership.

This research paper evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), highlighting its achievements in promoting governance and self-reflection among African states while warning of current crises regarding transparency, leadership integrity, and the marginalization of civil society.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) critiques South Africa's First Report on the Implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Programme of Action. The author argues that the government's report is a superficial exercise in 'malicious compliance,' failing to provide evidence of progress specifically linked to the APRM's National Programme of Action (NPoA) and instead relying on general achievements since the 1994 democratic transition.

This research paper examines the relationship between protected areas (PAs) and conflict, arguing that conservation interventions are inherently political and can either exacerbate or mitigate tensions. The authors propose the adoption of Peace and Conflict Impact Assessments (PCIAs)—tools used in the humanitarian and development sectors—to ensure that Transboundary Protected Areas (TBPAs) contribute to peacebuilding and adhere to 'do no harm' principles, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

This 2010 training manual by the Institute for Security Studies provides a comprehensive framework for law enforcement agencies in Eastern and Southern Africa to identify, investigate, and prosecute environmental crimes. It covers the foundations of environmental law, the technical processes of inspection and evidence gathering, and the legal requirements for criminal prosecution, emphasizing a participant-centered learning approach for police, customs officials, and prosecutors.

This 2010 position paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the legal and political tensions between the African Union (AU), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and the International Criminal Court (ICC), specifically regarding the use of Article 16 of the Rome Statute to defer prosecutions of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute explores the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in helping countries, particularly developing nations, adapt to climate change. It details how ICTs enhance weather forecasting, risk assessment, and the dissemination of critical alerts to vulnerable populations via mobile networks, while highlighting the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) efforts to integrate these technologies into national adaptation plans.

This research paper by Sives Govender examines the information requirements for climate change adaptation in Africa, categorizing needs into responsive, proactive, and robust policy frameworks. It highlights the critical role of early warning systems, satellite-based monitoring, and the integration of socio-economic data to mitigate vulnerabilities in water, food security, and coastal infrastructure.