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Mali: War by default 

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

The recent military operations by France in Mali have introduced new dynamics in the security situation in the Sahel and raised a number of questions. What prompted the renewed attacks by the jihadists, and what can be said about the French-led military intervention? While it is impossible to provide all the answers at the moment, a few indicators could shed some light on the situation.

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Reducing the cost of hostage taking requires better interventions

Anneli Botha, Senior Researcher, Transnational Threats and International Crime Division, ISS Pretoria Office

Attempts to rescue hostages in Somalia and Algeria resulted in many fatalities, and will likely fuel the radicalisation of terrorist recruits and strain diplomatic ties between governments that must find solutions.

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ISS Paper 242: The effectiveness of financial disclosure regulations as an anti-corruption tool in local government

This paper examines the financial disclosure regulatory framework at local government level in South Africa. Drawing on empirical data, it provides a detailed critique of this framework`s practical implementation. Specifically, it looks at the scope and content of disclosure requirements, compliance by elected officials, institutional support and capacity for disclosure, public access to information, and monitoring and oversight mechanisms.

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Monograph 187: The African Union Peace and Security Council, A five-year appraisal

Since its establishment in 2004, the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) has become one of the most important institutions for the promotion of peace and security on the continent. This monograph discusses issues pertaining to the first five years of the operationalisation and activities of the PSC. The PSC is a central pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture and this monograph assesses how it has sought to address Africa’s protracted conflicts, the spate of unconstitutional changes of government, and electoral violence. The monograph also discusses the PSC’s interaction with its counterparts at the United Nations and European Union and other relevant structures, such as the International Criminal Court and AFRICOM.

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