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This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies argues that Europe's increasing focus on returning migrants to Africa may be counterproductive and damaging if costs are ignored.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the drivers of violence in Ethiopia from October 2019 to the end of 2020, arguing that stability depends on a political settlement to bridge ideological divides among elites.

Recent research indicates that while ex-combatants in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan engage in diverse economic activities—primarily small businesses in the informal sector—their success is hindered by dilapidated infrastructure, predatory taxation, and limited access to credit. The study finds that sustainable peace is possible if reintegration continues, though risks remain higher for young unmarried males who may resort to criminal activities or re-militarization. The presence of mineral wealth in ungoverned spaces offers wealth accumulation opportunities but exposes ex-combatants to violence and extortion by armed groups.

This research paper provides a conceptual framework to distinguish between democracy, elections, and political parties, arguing that while elections are a primary prerequisite for democracy, a credible system requires both credible elections and the participation of credible political parties, particularly within the African context.

This research paper by Dr David Fig examines the failure of South Africa's Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project and critiques the government's continued commitment to nuclear power despite issues with governance and public policy.

The briefing warns that South Sudan's peace process is nearing collapse due to rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. Following clashes in Nasir and the subsequent house arrest of Machar and other opposition figures, the document highlights how economic decline—driven by a 68% drop in oil production—has undermined the patronage systems used to maintain political loyalty. It suggests that the most likely outcome is further entrenchment of armed factions, and urges the African Union to secure the release of detainees and coordinate with IGAD to prevent a total breakdown of the R-ARCSS power-sharing arrangement.

The document argues that juvenile justice reforms in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zambia have been slow and inadequate since decolonisation. Despite being party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, these states fail to consistently apply principles of limited criminal liability for minors or prioritise rehabilitation over retribution, often treating children in ways that disregard their dignity.

The document discusses the paradigm shift within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regarding the link between stability and economic development. It highlights that member states, including some of the world's poorest nations, recognize that investment and growth require peace and democracy. This recognition has led to the creation of the Organ for Defence, Politics and Security to focus on conflict mediation, preventive diplomacy, and peacekeeping, signaling a move away from absolute sovereignty toward legitimate scrutiny of internal affairs.

The research paper evaluates Africa's progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (universal WASH access by 2030). Using the International Futures forecasting system, it concludes that the continent is not on track to meet this target. To address this gap, the paper analyzes two scenarios: an aggressive push toward universal access and a moderate approach based on 2015 baselines.

The report examines the challenges facing Kenya's constitutional devolution, specifically the 'unfettered power' of members of county assemblies (MCAs). It details how MCAs have used ambiguous impeachment thresholds in the Constitution and the County Government Act to blackmail county officials and engage in political extortion. The document also highlights significant financial irregularities, citing the misuse of billions of shillings in sitting allowances, travel, and vehicle purchases, while personnel emoluments far exceeded development allocations in the 2013 fiscal year. The authors call for urgent reforms to the devolution architecture and the impeachment process to prevent political elites from subverting public service delivery.

The policy brief argues that the judicial systems of Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zambia are hampered by a colonial legacy where the executive branch remained dominant over the judiciary and legislature. Despite the adoption of international human rights instruments and constitutional guarantees of fair trial and judicial independence, the executive continues to control the resources available to the judiciary, which undermines its ability to prevent impunity and ensure the rule of law.

The document examines the role of illegal mining in the conflict within the Eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It analyzes the failure of a 2010-2011 mining ban and the potential risks associated with the US Dodd-Frank Act's 'conflict minerals' legislation, such as economic losses and increased smuggling. The author contends that illegal mining is a manifestation rather than a primary cause of conflict, suggesting that sustainable peace requires addressing deeper issues through measures like decentralization to improve local governance and infrastructure.

The author contends that current humanitarian military interventions in Africa are inadequate because they rely on Cold War-era peacekeeping doctrines that prioritize humanitarian assistance over the restoration of security. This failure, combined with the perceived lethargy of UN interventions, has led African institutions to deploy forces that often lack sufficient mandates and resources. The paper proposes a new doctrine of 'humanitarian security intervention' with a higher remit for the use of force to better meet the needs of civilian protection and security restoration.

This research paper by Collette Schulz-Herzenberg of the Institute for Security Studies examines whether elections in South Africa serve as an effective accountability mechanism by analyzing voter behavior, perceptions of political parties, and cognitive mobilization.

The document asserts that Africa is vulnerable to the dual pressures of climate change and population growth due to its deep dependency on natural resources, entrenched poverty, and a history of agricultural failure during droughts. It calls for collaborative efforts to address deforestation, urban management, and food security.

This research paper examines the limited impact of international security sector reform (SSR) and stabilisation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2003, attributing failures to a technical approach that ignored political dynamics and elite incentives.

This research paper examines the international debate and various forums regarding the banning of anti-personnel landmines (APMs), specifically focusing on the tension between security and humanitarian perspectives and the role of the Ottawa Process.

The seminar report outlines the objectives of a gathering of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers focused on the gap between top-down international peacebuilding strategies and the interests of local actors. It emphasizes the need for local ownership and accountability in post-conflict reconstruction to prevent a relapse into conflict.

The briefing discusses the NPT Preparatory Committee meeting held from 4 to 15 May 2009 in New York, which serves as the final session before the 2010 Review Conference. It details the NPT's three pillars—non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy—and emphasizes Africa's commitment to these goals through the Treaty of Pelindaba. The document highlights the leadership of Zimbabwe's Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku as chair of the 2009 meeting and urges African states to support the total elimination of nuclear arsenals and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

The briefing examines the failures of state-led amnesty and reintegration processes for defectors from groups like Boko Haram and al-Shabaab in Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, and Cameroon. It highlights how torture, extrajudicial killings, and a lack of transparency by security forces drive defectors away from official channels and toward civil society organisations or direct community return. Additionally, it notes that providing livelihood assets, such as motorcycles in Kenya or livestock in Cameroon, can spark community hostility and perceptions of favouritism.