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This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the security and stability challenges facing South Sudan following the 2011 referendum for self-determination, highlighting risks from ethnic rivalry, economic dependency on Khartoum, and the need for security sector reform.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the African Union's (AU) response to the North African uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. It argues that the AU's tendency to prioritize state security and sovereignty over human security and democracy was evident in its weak response to these crises. The author suggests that for the AU's 'Year of Shared Values' to be meaningful, the organization must move beyond rhetoric to enforce compliance with democracy and human rights standards through credible sanctions and technical support.

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.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the political deadlock in Zimbabwe regarding the draft constitution. While the Constitution Select Committee of Parliament (COPAC) reached an initial agreement, ZANU-PF has since called for revisions to include views from the outreach phase, while the two MDC formations refuse further renegotiation.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) examines the economic reintegration of ex-combatants in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. It highlights the critical role of viable livelihood opportunities in preventing re-militarisation and discusses the systemic barriers—including poor infrastructure, predatory taxation, and limited credit—that hinder the transition from informal to formal economic activities.

This research paper argues that while Namibia has a history of free and fair elections and general public support for democracy, it has not yet achieved full democratic consolidation. The author highlights concerns regarding political violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the monopolization of democratic space and resources by the ruling party, SWAPO.

This policy brief argues that Guinea-Bissau requires a new constitution to resolve political deadlocks and clarify the powers of state organs, noting that previous reform efforts by the National People’s Assembly were stalled by the 2015 political crisis.

This report examines the structure and operations of migrant smuggling networks facilitating irregular migration from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula (the Gulf), including their potential involvement in other organized crimes like arms and narcotics trafficking.

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 policy brief from the Institute for Security Studies argues that drug trafficking in West Africa has evolved from a law enforcement issue into a crisis of statehood, threatening the democratic and humanitarian foundations of the region due to a lack of political will and an inadequate international response.

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.

This briefing from the Institute for Security Studies warns that the peace process in South Sudan is at risk of collapse following the house arrest of First Vice-President Riek Machar and the detention of other opposition figures. The document attributes the crisis to deep-seated mistrust between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, unilateral government reshuffles, and a severe economic downturn driven by falling oil revenues. It urges the African Union to intervene urgently to prevent further escalation and maintain the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

This policy brief argues that juvenile justice systems in Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zambia have failed to evolve alongside British law and international standards. It highlights a lack of priority for rehabilitation over retribution and a failure to provide dedicated facilities for children during legal proceedings, despite the states' commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This monograph by the Institute for Security Studies examines the complexities of crime in South Africa, highlighting the limitations of official statistics and the regional variations in criminality. It argues that crime is a multifaceted problem requiring localized strategies and announces a comprehensive research project by the Institute for Defence Policy to address critical gaps in policy data and emerging security concerns.

This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers discusses the establishment of the SADC Organ for Defence, Politics and Security, arguing that regional economic growth and development are dependent on peace, stability, and a transition toward democracy.

This research paper evaluates Africa's progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene) by 2030 using the International Futures forecasting system.

This research paper by Eric Pelser of the Institute for Security Studies examines the contradictions between President Mbeki's 1999 commitment to strengthen Community Police Fora (CPFs) and the guidelines set out in the 1998 White Paper on Safety and Security regarding local government capacity and policy review.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) critiques the lack of evidence in anti-trafficking campaigns preceding the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa. The authors argue that sensationalized claims, such as those in the "Stop 2010 Human Trafficking" campaign, conflate sex work with trafficking and overestimate risks, which may divert resources and hinder the ability of sex workers to report actual crimes due to the continued criminalization of their work.

This research paper examines the abuse of power by Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) in Kenya following the 2013 general elections. It argues that MCAs have transitioned from agents of governance to tools of political extortion, leveraging ambiguous impeachment laws and their strategic grassroots position to blackmail county officials and misuse public funds.

This policy brief examines the historical and structural challenges facing the judicial systems of Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zambia, highlighting how colonial legacies of executive dominance continue to undermine judicial independence and the protection of human rights.