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The document critiques the European Union's proposed priority areas for the Africa-EU strategy, noting that it overlooks critical issues from the Abidjan Declaration and AU Agenda 2063. It highlights gaps in addressing poverty, healthcare, transport infrastructure, and internet access, while emphasizing that debt relief in response to COVID-19 will be a critical test for the partnership.

The briefing notes that the situation in Zimbabwe has worsened since November 2002, stating that early 2003 hopes for a negotiated political transition and subsequent economic revival were over-optimistic.

This research paper by Godfrey M Musila examines the potential role of the Pan-African Parliament and the proposed African Court of Justice and Human Rights within a hypothetical continental political union for Africa, arguing that both institutions would require significant reform to function in such a system.

This text is an introduction to a research paper by Naomi Kok of the Institute for Security Studies. It identifies the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as the primary body for peace and security in sub-Saharan Africa but notes that its post-conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) efforts have been limited. The paper aims to explore structural challenges within SADC and how South Africa can overcome constraints to strengthen these PCRD activities.

This research paper, based on a qualitative study conducted in April and May 2003, examines the exploitative gender dynamics and sexual abuse of local women and girls by peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) and Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). The author analyzes how financial disparities, power imbalances, and a 'peacekeeping economy' contribute to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), while evaluating the effectiveness of gender training and conduct committees in these missions.

The document identifies critical deficiencies in Guinea-Bissau's electoral framework despite progress made prior to the 2014 parliamentary elections. It argues that reforms are necessary to improve election integrity, resolve contradictions between the constitution and electoral laws, and empower the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Furthermore, it asserts that such reforms are a prerequisite for holding local elections and achieving the constitutional goal of decentralisation.

The document outlines the political transition in Guinea following the 2010 presidential election of Alpha Condé. It highlights a context of economic ruin, widespread poverty, and ethno-political violence. The brief recommends five priority areas for the new administration: national reconciliation, inclusive governance, fighting impunity, security sector reform, and improving living conditions for the population.

The document examines the emergence of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) in 2006, which resulted in approximately 600 deaths and the displacement of half the Mount Elgon district's population. It argues that while military intervention routed the militia, lasting peace requires addressing root causes including colonial disinheritance of Sabaot communal lands, inequitable land distribution, and the availability of small arms.

The briefing examines the Military Veterans Act of 2011 in South Africa, noting that while it aims to provide comprehensive socio-economic support and dignity to veterans, the Department of Military Veterans faces significant hurdles in funding, staffing, and implementation.

The document examines the failure of regional integration in Central Africa, asserting that states prioritise short-term regime survival over long-term human security. It argues that regionalisation currently serves as an extension of domestic politics and calls for political convergence and improved governance to effectively build Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Peace and Security Architecture.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the impact of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) military intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on sub-regional cohesion and the challenges facing future stability efforts.

The research identifies a complex set of drivers for al-Shabaab recruitment, including religious identity, socioeconomic conditions, and political circumstances, and provides recommendations for the Somali government and international actors to counter these trends.

The document analyzes the war in northern Uganda as a dual conflict consisting of a multi-faceted rebellion against the NRM government and a violent insurgency by Joseph Kony's LRA. It argues that the LRA lacks popular support and is driven by apocalyptic spiritualism, while the government's military response and the arming of civilian militias have exacerbated instability. The authors recommend a shift toward civilian protection, a Truth and Reconciliation process to address historical injustices, and the extension of the Amnesty Act to encourage peace.

The document lists the contributions of key role players in the South African transitional peace process, including papers on the transition from apartheid to a democratic constitution, the democratisation process, and the integration of the South African National Defence Force.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the competing conceptual frameworks and theories of democracy surrounding Ethiopia's national dialogue initiative, arguing that success depends on the reconciliation of conflicting views between the government, opposition parties, and the National Dialogue Commission.

The document examines the gap between traditional UN peacekeeping and the more robust 'peace enforcement' operations conducted by African coalitions. It argues that while NATO and Russia have developed doctrines for complex environments, African peace operations lack a realistic, practice-informed intervention doctrine, often remaining constrained by Western preferences for 'UN-type' training and a legacy of conflicting Cold War military doctrines.

This report outlines the developmental landscape of Kenya, highlighting its leadership in information technology and relative strengths in health and education, while noting that corruption and poor access to basic services hinder its progress.

This document reports on a 2003 workshop by the Institute for Security Studies regarding the Sustainable Livelihoods approach in post-conflict regions. It identifies a 'deadly triad' of conflict, HIV/AIDS, and food insecurity in Africa and argues that sustainable peace requires broad-based economic recovery rather than elite-focused policies. It highlights the operational challenges for aid agencies, including the need for local beneficiary involvement and the integration of humanitarian aid with long-term development, while noting that aid is inherently political.

President Joyce Banda of Malawi has stated the country will cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and arrest Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir if he attends the African Union summit in July. This position contradicts the African Union's instruction to member states not to cooperate with the ICC in this case, potentially creating tension between Malawi and other AU members. The move is viewed as a pragmatic effort to restore Malawi's international image and secure necessary foreign aid, following criticism of a previous visit by Al-Bashir. Additionally, the document notes Malawi's democratic progress through the repeal of a repressive media law, while expressing concern that President Banda has weakened civil society by co-opting its members into her cabinet.

The document outlines a research paper that examines the establishment of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), analyzing US foreign policy toward Africa and the resulting positive and negative implications for both the US and the African continent.