ISS Weekly Issue 11, 2012

Issue 11

30 March 2012

Contact the ISS

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Addis Ababa
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theAfrican.org New Look

The African.org has a new look. Shortly before celebrating its 3rd anniversary, the magazine has been redesigned to create an even more attractive platform for the discussion of those issues that matter to Africans. Readers will be able to enjoy a number of new features and regular columns, while still giving them the comment and analysis on Africa’s current affairs from the best experts from across the continent. Log on to the new website to subscribe or read the magazine online, thanks to a fully downloadable page-through feature. Also read our daily blog and regular podcasts featuring our top commentators at the Institute for Security Studies on www.the-african.org.

Events

Pretoria, 3 April: Reducing the Human Cost of Poorly Regulated Arms Transfers: An African Contribution Towards a Strong Arms Trade Treaty

This seminar takes place on the eve of the International Day for Mine Awareness - a day that calls for increased awareness of the suffering caused by mines and other explosive remnants of war - as a reminder of the harm that the proliferation of arms and ammunition can cause. Experts from the ISS, the International Committee of the Red Cross, civil society as well as the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation will speak on the humanitarian consequences of a poorly regulated arms trade, various elements of the proposed treaty, and the role of African Governments, including South Africa, in the upcoming negotiations.

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Pretoria, 5 April: South Africa`s Economic Development Challenges

South Africa is facing complex economic challenges, with increasing pressure on creating jobs, providing better industrial policies, improving the quality of education and providing clear direction in the management of labour relations. In addition, the global economy is changing rapidly, with many African countries surpassing South Africa in terms of growth and investment opportunities. How can South Africa meet its challenges and continue to stay competitive? Can it still claim to be the ‘Gateway to Africa’ – one of the reasons for its inclusion in structures such as the BRICS?

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Pretoria, 18 April: South African Heritage Under Attack: from Rhinos to Pierneef’s - What is Going on?

The natural and cultural heritage of South Africa has been under fierce attack for the past few years. Media reports of poached rhinos, and priceless sculptures and paintings being stolen from Galleries and Museums compete for attention amidst reports of rapes and robberies. What is being done to address these crimes and to ensure that our natural and cultural heritage is preserved for posterity? Presenters from the South African Police Service, the South African Heritage Resources Agency and the University of South Africa will tackle these issues. They will discuss some ideas and thoughts on the current status and possible contributing factors as well as consider some possible solutions.

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Addis Ababa, 6 May: ACPST Course: Emerging threats to human security in Africa (ETHSA)

With the support of the Geneva Center for Security Policy the African Centre for Peace and Security Training (ACPST) was created by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in 2011 to boost practitioners’ ability to improve human security in Africa through short courses. Established in 1991, the ISS is a leading applied policy research institute with offices in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Senegal and staff from 16 African countries.

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ISS Today

Double Speak About Judicial Reform In South Africa Raises Alarm Bells

Hamadziripi Tamukamoyo, Researcher, Crime and Justice Division, ISS Pretoria

Hostile statements from ANC officials towards the judiciary have clouded the announcement of a study to assess the impact of Constitutional Court Decisions. It is now critical that the ruling ANC demonstrates its support for South Africa’s constitutional order.

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Mali’s Unfortunate Military Coup an Unnecessary Setback for Democracy

David Zounmenou, Senior Researcher, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis Division, ISS Pretoria

This week’s military coup is a huge setback for democracy and peace in Mali. As the first military coup taking place 21 years after the democratisation process in Mali, this is certainly a major test to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) in force since February 2012.

Kony 2012 Could Serve as a Wake-up Call

Sandra Adong Oder, Senior Researcher, Conflict Management and Peacebuilding Division, ISS Pretoria

The controversial video about the LRA’s Joseph Kony, Kony 2012 represents a successful utilisation of soft power and public diplomacy that may force Ugandan policymakers to react positively to the groundswell of interest in and scrutiny of Uganda.

The Challenges of Curbing Illicit Financial Flows from Africa

Charles Goredema, Senior Researcher Fellow, Transnational Threats and International Crime Division, ISS Cape Town

On 18 February 2012, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa set up a High Level Panel to study illicit financial flows out of Africa. It is hoped that this will improve countries’ tax revenues.

Lesotho May 26 General Elections: The Damaging Effects of Floor-crossing and Simmering Hostilities

Dimpho Motsamai, Researcher, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis Division, ISS Pretoria

As Lesotho gears up for general elections on 26 May 2012, the adverse effects of floor crossing will weigh heavily on the re-configuration of political power and on the capacity of election institutions to manage a credible election.

As African Solutions to African Problems Should Be More Than Just a Cliché

Solomon A. Dersso, Senior Researcher, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis Division, ISS Addis Ababa

The political ideal of ‘African solutions to African problems’ is about ownership and taking responsibility for overcoming Africa’s challenges.

New on ISS Africa

ISS Policy Brief: Policy Brief No 30: Implementing Financial Disclosure in Local Government, Compliance among councillors

Collette Schulz-Herzenberg, Shireen Mukadam and Jamy Felton

This policy brief is the third in a four-part series designed to assist municipal staff and elected councillors in South Africa manage and detect conflicts of interests in public life. This policy brief addresses the issue of compliance of financial disclosure among South Africa’s local councillors and provides recommendations on how to improve the submission process.

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African Futures Policy Brief No 3: Putting the brakes on road traffic fatalities in Africa

Road traffic accidents in Africa are expected to rapidly increase over the next four decades, becoming a major public health challenge across the continent. However, our forecasts show that if policy interventions in the continent effectively put the brakes on road traffic accidents, then, cumulatively through 2050:

4,2 million road traffic deaths would be prevented
144 million years of productive, healthy life would be saved
USD 234 billion would be added to the continent’s GDP

ISS Seminar Report: The AU Report on AU and UN partnership

On 9 January 2012, the Chairperson of the AU Commissioner Jean Ping submitted, report on his vision of the AU-UN Partnership to the AU Peace and Security Council in accordance with the decision of the 16th session of the AU Assembly. The 36 pages long report entitled, `Towards Greater Strategic and Political Coherence`, comprehensively articulated the perspective of the AU on the question of `What is the appropriate consultative decision-making framework, division of labor and burden-sharing that should be put in place?

ISS Seminar Report, Addis Ababa: Reflections on the 18th AU Summit: a Post-AU Summit Analysis Seminar

The aim of this Summit was to reflect and deliberate upon the main issues and decisions of the 18th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

New on ISS Africa

This Week in Africa, Episode 35

Special focus on Mali. Liesl Louw-Vaudran speaks to Paul-Simon Handy about the ongoing events in Mali, the reasons behind the coup d`etat, the reaction of the international community and what this means for the rebellion in the North of the country.

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La semaine en Afrique Episode 35

Spéciale Mali : Liesl Louw-Vaudran avec Paul-Simon Handy sur les raisons d’une crise au sein de l’armée ; la réaction de la communauté internationale ; l’impacte sur la rébellion dans le nord et ce que cela veut dire pour l’image du pays.

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African Futures: Taps and Toilets Video

Find out what happens if all African countries improved water and sanitation in line with best practice examples from the continent. Such an intervention could lead to 18 million fewer malnourished children by 2030, a US$75 billion cumulative increase in GDP by 2040, and 17 million fewer people living in poverty by 2050.

Watch on YouTube

South Africa Insight, Episode 5

Episode 5: The Appeal court decision regarding the withdrawal of corruption charges against Jacob Zuma: Service delivery protests: New allegations of corruption in the police.

Listen Online

ISS Seminar, Addis Ababa: The AU Report on AU and UN partnership

Towards a comprehensive redefinition of the interface between the regional and the global. Dr Jide Okeke, Senior Researcher speaks to Amb Zachary Muburi-Muita, Dr Ardmore Kambudzi and Dr Solomon Ayele Dersso

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