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This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies argues that the proliferation of competing peace initiatives in Sudan since April 2023 has allowed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to 'forum-shop' and avoid commitment to a lasting peace, while the humanitarian crisis worsens.

This report from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the activities and structural challenges of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC). It evaluates the performance of the fifth Panel of the Wise, the coordination between the PSC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the resurgence of mercenarism in Africa, and the underutilization of policing in peace support operations. Additionally, it outlines the priorities of Cameroon during its chairship of the PSC.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) report 'Strengthening the SAPS for a safer South Africa' provides a framework for reforming the South African Police Service (SAPS) to reverse a decline in organisational performance and public safety observed since 2012. The report outlines five strategic focus areas: leadership and professionalisation, serious violent crime, corruption and accountability, data and technology, and auxiliary policing. It argues that increasing personnel numbers alone is insufficient and calls for evidence-based strategic planning, improved investigative capabilities, and a shift toward a professional police identity to restore public trust.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines how political disagreements over presidential term limits and powers have stalled constitutional reform in The Gambia, leaving the country governed by the 1997 'Jammeh Constitution' and risking future political instability.

This conclusion to a special report on the Democratic Republic of Congo (RD Congo) identifies systemic barriers to development and proposes priority policy interventions in agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure, education, and health to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.

This special report by the Institute for Security Studies provides a scenario-based economic and social forecast for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) up to 2043. It compares a 'base trajectory' (current path) against various sectoral interventions and a combined 'Agenda 2063' scenario, analyzing impacts on GDP per capita, extreme poverty, the informal economy, life expectancy, inequality, carbon emissions, and energy production.

The April 2024 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines critical challenges within the African Union's (AU) peace and security architecture. It analyzes the potential restoration of the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), the political implications of Chad's May 2024 election, the security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the strategic priorities of Egypt upon rejoining the Peace and Security Council (PSC).

The March 2024 Peace & Security Council Report examines the transition of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) membership, the critical security situation in Abyei, the operational challenges of the African Standby Force (ASF), ongoing AU institutional reforms, and the response of ECOWAS to unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa.

The February 2024 Peace & Security Council Report evaluates the outcomes of the 37th African Union (AU) summit, the performance of Comoros as AU chair, and the AU's response to crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also examines the decline of electoral norms across the continent and the necessity of protecting civilians in urban warfare.

This research paper examines the dynamics of synthetic drug markets in West Africa, using tramadol as a primary case study to analyze how criminal networks adapt to supply-side disruptions. The report highlights that law enforcement and regulatory efforts often lead to market displacement, increased prices, and the emergence of more dangerous synthetic substitutes rather than the total disruption of the trade.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies and UNIDIR examines the feasibility of using dialogue and negotiation to resolve the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. Based on qualitative research conducted in 2023 across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, the study analyzes the differing motivations and capacities of the Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions. It argues that while military efforts alone are insufficient, strategic negotiations—potentially targeting mid-level commanders rather than just top leadership—could complement kinetic operations to end the conflict.

This policy brief argues that South Africa's anti-corruption efforts have yielded minimal results because they rely on a Western 'good governance' model that ignores the systemic nature of corruption in developing countries. The author advocates for a decolonial, empirical approach that addresses 'clientelism' and 'plunder' by focusing on social norms, collective action, and the power struggles between rule-following and non-rule-following elites.

This policy brief argues that United Nations (UN) mediation must adapt to a fragmented geopolitical landscape characterized by increased conflict intensity and the rise of diverse mediation actors. It calls for the Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future to be used as catalysts for renewing political consensus, enhancing partnerships with regional organisations, and adopting innovative approaches to address geoeconomic and geoecological threats.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has developed workplace-based violence prevention programmes, such as 'Free to Grow', to address South Africa's high rates of domestic and gender-based violence. Pilots at Tikketai and a partnership with Anglo American demonstrate that integrating these services into the workplace reduces barriers to access, improves employee mental health and family relationships, and increases business productivity and stability.

The December 2023/January 2024 edition of the Peace & Security Council Report evaluates the African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) performance in 2023, highlighting a trend toward discussing thematic issues over sensitive country crises. It examines the challenges of consensus-based decision-making, the upcoming 2024 AU chairship and PSC membership elections, and the potential impact of the UN's New Agenda for Peace on African security architecture.

This background note provides energy production and demand forecasts for Africa and the global community up to 2043, based on the International Futures (IFs) forecasting platform. It details the transition of energy sources, the growth of African energy demand driven by population increases, and the status of fossil fuel reserves and renewable energy projects across the continent.

This briefing note by the Institute for Security Studies examines the outlook for natural gas in Africa up to 2043, highlighting the tension between significant proven reserves and a global market facing slowing demand and potential supply gluts.

This background note from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes Africa's energy export and import trends under a 'Current Path' forecast up to 2043, highlighting the contrast between a few major energy exporters and a majority of countries dependent on imports.

This background note from the Institute for Security Studies provides projections for energy demand in Africa through 2043, highlighting a significant increase in total demand driven by population growth and development needs.

This briefing note from the Institute for Security Studies provides data on the distribution of proven coal reserves across Africa, citing the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2023.