ISS, Institute for Security Studies
SA’s next prosecution head: how to ensure a sound appointment
15th May 2025 Although Shamila Batohi’s selection followed a more participatory route, the process remains opaque and centralised in the Presidency. With... →
Ethiopia’s national dialogue and transitional justice: competition or complementarity?
14th May 2025 The dual peacebuilding processes are equally important – and can run simultaneously through coordination and sequencing. As Ethiopia navigates its... →
African solutions have not solved the Great Lakes problems
13th May 2025 Ineffective African interventions in the region have opened the door to more assertive external actors. After months of diplomatic impasse and... →
Will the Chambishi spill affect Zambia’s ‘all-weather friendship’ with China?
13th May 2025 Sino Metals’ pollution of the Kafue River presents an opportunity to forge a more environmentally sustainable partnership. When a toxic waste... →
Samia Suluhu Hassan drops the pretence of reform
9th May 2025 Ahead of the October elections, Tanzania’s president is retreating from democracy – along with the rest of the East African region. Democracy is in... →
A hopeful Gabon looks to the future
8th May 2025 Gabonese voters have given President Nguema a strong mandate to break with the country’s past and steer economic and political renewal. Nineteen... →
Global uncertainty calls for an overhaul of AU peace support operations
8th May 2025 US and likely European funding cuts call for peacekeeping that is focused, fast and modest in its ambition. The United States (US) intends to... →
Landmark ruling enables justice for SA’s apartheid-era crimes
6th May 2025 The country is preparing for its first crimes against humanity case, reigniting hope for victims and their families. This April, a South African... →
Post-war Liberia still struggles with corruption and impunity
5th May 2025 Corruption was a cause of Liberia’s 14-year civil war and triggered the current political crisis that threatens the country’s stability. On 23... →
Conflict-related sexual violence: a threat to Africa’s peace and security
2nd May 2025 African leaders must commit to ending the violence, which requires focusing attention on justice reform and survivor-led interventions. On 27... →
The window to salvage South Sudan’s peace process is closing fast
30th April 2025 As a guarantor of the peace agreement, the African Union must urgently take action to de-escalate political tensions. On 26 March, security... →
Algeria-AES diplomatic crisis calls for swift African Union mediation
29th April 2025 The latest tensions are a wake-up call for the AU, which has lost influence in the Sahel-Saharan region. The current diplomatic crisis between... →
Challenges facing the latest truce between Kinshasa and M23
29th April 2025 Dynamics on the ground in eastern DRC and the country’s capital will test Qatar’s mediation efforts. On 23 April, delegations from Kinshasa and... →
In Burkina Faso, Traoré’s legacy could extend beyond popularity and promises
25th April 2025 The challenge will be translating the country’s rich mineral resources and promising economy into stability and development. At 36, Burkina Faso’s... →
Could anchor states benefit Africa’s Peace and Security Council?
25th April 2025 Recent PSC elections revived debates about whether membership should favour inclusion and fairness or regional capacity and influence. The African... →
Women, illicit activities and terrorism: what are the risks for West Africa?
17th April 2025 Understanding women’s role in illicit activities is key to reducing their likelihood of becoming associated with violent extremists. Women’s... →
AI and Africa’s ‘counterfeit’ journalists
16th April 2025 AI technology is ‘shooting the messenger’ by impersonating professional journalists to gain credibility for false narratives. Not long ago,... →
New AU leaders must articulate a bold vision for Africa’s peace operations
15th April 2025 A clear vision for peace operations should redefine the complementary roles of the AU and the UN. In his election campaigns for the African Union’s... →
Balancing economics and security on the Nigeria-Cameroon border
14th April 2025 The two countries must cooperate to stop Boko Haram from taking advantage of open borders to revive their operations. On 27 January, the governors... →
Could Africa still be hard hit by Trump’s tariff tantrum?
14th April 2025 If they are imposed, Trump’s blizzard of ‘reciprocal’ tariffs will hit AGOA beneficiaries more than most. Africa is being hit by one disaster after... →
Ethiopia’s Transitional Justice Special Bench – more than just a criminal tribunal
10th April 2025 The Special Bench should have jurisdiction over a broader range of disputes – not merely function as a criminal tribunal. Following an... →
Demographics not poor governance explain Africa’s slow development
8th April 2025 Until dependency ratios shift, Africa’s large youthful population will remain the continent’s biggest barrier to growth. Africa’s disappointing... →
Is the loss of aid an opportunity for Africa?
4th April 2025 US and EU aid cuts could prompt Africa to end its dependency, but the task for poor countries will be especially difficult. United States (US)... →
Grave risks for Cameroon as soldiers desert to fight in Ukraine
3rd April 2025 Cameroon faces a multitude of security threats and cannot afford to lose its soldiers to the Russia-Ukraine war. The desertion of soldiers to fight... →
William Ruto – from hustler to dealmaker?
2nd April 2025 As the 2027 elections loom closer, three grand bargains will determine the president’s political future. Nearly three years into his presidency,... →
Can West African nations come together to stop terrorism spreading?
1st April 2025 Mistrust between AES and ECOWAS countries must be overcome to enable intelligence sharing and security cooperation. On 8 January, members of the... →
Is Zimbabwe facing another November 2017?
31st March 2025 Mnangagwa looks beyond his second term, prompting war veterans backing Vice-President Chiwenga to threaten an ‘uprising’ on 31 March. Tensions are... →
Chapo-Mondlane meeting presents a glimmer of hope for Mozambique
28th March 2025 Despite scepticism about the government’s intentions, the meeting shows a shift in President Chapo’s hardline approach to resolving post-election... →
Cue the cameras: how SAPS bodycams can deliver tangible results
27th March 2025 What should police body-worn cameras aim to achieve, and how will we know if they are working? The South African Police Service (SAPS) plans to... →
Could prolonged warfare in Sudan lead to the country splitting?
25th March 2025 Shifting military dynamics, political fragmentation and external interference could escalate clashes, pushing the country towards partition. The... →
Namibia’s first woman president takes the helm
24th March 2025 President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah presents herself as an implementer – can she meet the country’s high expectations and reverse SWAPO’s decline? On... →
‘Transition fatigue’ in South Sudan ramps up tensions
20th March 2025 The recent conflict is rooted in repeated extensions of the transition timeframe and enduring political and security problems. Recent deadly... →
Africa’s democracies must guard against local online influencer networks
19th March 2025 New research shows that key figures in South Africa’s domestic online influence industry are engaged in transnational disinformation campaigns. A... →
Lake Chad Basin insurgents raise the stakes with weaponised drones
18th March 2025 ISWAP’s enhanced operations and use of drone attacks represent a turning point for counter-terrorism in the region. The 24 December 2024 attack on... →
Iran and the price of the ANC’s nostalgia
14th March 2025 The African National Congress’ friendship with Tehran is becoming the main bugbear in US relations with South Africa. Back in 2022 and 2023 after... →
Türkiye throws Somalia a lifeline to catch illegal fishers
14th March 2025 A long-term maritime agreement could boost Somalia’s naval capacity to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Somalia loses around... →
Lessons from Kenya’s bold but poorly executed visa-free policy
13th March 2025 Kenya’s experience can help countries balance practical realities with Africa’s goal of open borders and regional connections. In January 2024,... →
Can African philanthropy fill in for American aid cuts?
12th March 2025 Africa must look within to improve resource allocation and promote social impact investments that go beyond just boosting profits. On the day he... →
Can Zimbabwe’s Independent Complaints Commission win civil society over?
11th March 2025 The new commission is a step in the right direction for security sector reform, but faces several tough challenges. Since gaining independence in... →
Ethiopia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office needs an international cooperation unit
10th March 2025 To effectively deliver justice for international crimes, an independent international cooperation unit is essential. Ethiopia is drafting... →
Will Ghana’s Mahama grasp the nettle of constitutional reform?
7th March 2025 Ghana’s constitution allows an excessively powerful presidency to influence all levels of administration – it must be reformed. John Mahama won... →
