The Role of SADC in Managing Political Crisis and Conflict: The Cases of Madagascar and Zimbabwe
By Gavin Cawthra. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, 2010.Whereas the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for years refrained from intervening in various political crises in Zimbabwe, the regional economic community more quickly and effectively responded to recent instability in Madgascar. SADC’s overall influence and ability to resolve these and other regional challenges will require institutionalized crisis response mechanisms as current ad hoc efforts diminish its credibility, unity, and range of options.
The Panel of the Wise: A Comprehensive Introduction to a Critical Pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture
By Jamila El Abdellaoui. Institute for Security Studies, August 2009.
A Panel of the Wise comprised of five elder African statesmen was created by the African Union to independently facilitate conflict resolution, conduct shuttle diplomacy, and develop proposals to enhance general security and stability. Adjustments to the panel’s communications strategy and engagement with civil society may further elevate its impact on conflict prevention and stabilization. [PDF]
Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism: Are the Tools Up to the Task?
by, Steven Gruzd. African Security Review, 2007.
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) offers a powerful tool to improve security sector governance and security capacity in Africa. Assessments of Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda have identified conflict vulnerabilities and opportunities to improve security institutions. Improvements to APRM guidelines, panels of experts, and country submissions could further enhance the potential security and stability benefits from the process. [PDF]
The new French defense policy in Africa: A break in the continuity?
By,Emmanuel Dupuy. Réseau Francophone de Recherche sur les Opérations de Paix, 2010.
About 8,000 French soldiers are present in Africa and 600 million Euros are spent each year by France for peace operations which demonstrate its commitment to stability in the continent. However, multilateral partnerships based on shared interests define new style of French engagement. Although the Franco-African relations have been redefined, coordination with the EU and the United States, China and other actors on the continent still needs some improvements.[ IN FRENCH]The China-Africa Toolkit: A Resource for African Policymakers
South African Institute for International Affairs, 2009.
In addition to $100 billion in annual two-way trade, China provides $13 billion in assistance and supports several peace operations in Africa. To better shape this relationship in a form that enhances and sustains development Africa's policymakers should familiarize themselves with the fundamental drivers of Chinese interests on the continent. [PDF]
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