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This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the concept of human security, specifically within the African context. It argues that human security must prioritize the individual over the state, focusing on the satisfaction of basic needs and the achievement of 'freedom from want' and 'freedom from fear' to address the continent's pervasive suffering and instability.

This research paper by Michael Tonry argues that incarceration rates are a matter of political policy rather than a response to crime levels, asserting that sentencing severity does not significantly impact crime trends. Using comparative data from several developed nations, the author contends that mandatory minimum sentences fail to deter crime or ensure consistency, and suggests that South Africa should reduce its imprisonment rates and adopt a structured approach to sentencing.

This research paper examines the proposed legislation for the compulsory HIV testing of alleged sexual offenders in South Africa, which was incorporated into the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. The author argues that these provisions are redundant for police investigations and lack practical utility for victims due to the HIV 'window period,' thereby constituting an unjustifiable limitation of an accused person's constitutional right to privacy.

This issue of SA Crime Quarterly examines public perceptions of crime in South Africa, the role of the private security industry, the impact of sentencing policies on prison populations, and the legal implications of compulsory HIV testing for alleged sexual offenders.

This briefing from the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the fragile implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan as of May 2007. It details significant failures in security arrangements, the lack of a functioning population census, and the political tensions between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) ahead of planned national elections.

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 report chapter details the development of anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) frameworks in Malawi between 2004 and 2006. It outlines the legislative struggle to pass the Money Laundering, Proceeds of Serious Crime and Terrorist Financing Act 2006, the regulatory measures introduced by the Reserve Bank of Malawi, and the systemic challenges facing enforcement, including limited police capacity and the absence of a national identity system.

This report analyzes the development and effectiveness of South Africa's anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) infrastructure between 2004 and 2007. It evaluates the roles of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), highlighting a shift toward civil asset forfeiture and the challenges posed by economic crime, alternative remittance systems, and the need for stronger supervisory powers.

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 from the Institute for Security Studies examines the risks associated with the development of counterterrorism legislation in Egypt, arguing that such laws may be used to target political opposition and undermine political reform rather than effectively combating terrorism.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues for the implementation of special measures to protect women and children from sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by private security companies (PSCs) and private military companies (PMCs) during peacekeeping missions. The author highlights a regulatory gap where UN-specific protections do not apply to private contractors, leaving them largely unregulated by express terms of international law.

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 briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the aftermath of the 2006 elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, detailing the victory of Joseph Kabila, the resulting regional political divides, post-election violence in Kinshasa, and ongoing instability in North Kivu caused by dissident General Nkunda.

This report analyzes South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for the 2005/06 financial year, noting an overall downward trend in serious crime since 2002/03 despite public anxiety over a perceived new 'crime wave' in 2006. While murder and burglary rates have declined, the report highlights concerning increases in organized crimes, specifically car hijacking, car theft, and cash-in-transit robberies.

This report analyzes public opinion surveys from Idasa and Afrobarometer conducted in South Africa since 1994 to compare citizen experiences of crime and policing against official statistics. While public perceptions of overall safety and government performance in fighting crime have improved since 2000, trust in the South African Police Service (SAPS) is undermined by high perceived and actual levels of corruption and poor user-friendliness.

This report, published by the Institute for Security Studies in 2006, examines the evolution of civil-security relations in Tanzania from the post-independence era through the transition to multi-party democracy. It analyzes the historical politicization of the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (TPDF) under the one-party state, the subsequent recommendations for security sector reform (SSR) by the Nyalali Commission, and the grassroots perceptions of various security organs. The document also details the specific political and security conflicts in Zanzibar and the reconciliation efforts known as Muafaka I and II.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies warns that piracy is moving southwards toward South African waters, driven by increased naval presence in other African regions. The document highlights critical gaps in South Africa's maritime surveillance and response capabilities and calls for a comprehensive maritime policy and collective regional strategies through the African Union and SADC.