Peace and Security Council Report No 20

The Unprecedented turn of events in North Africa and the bigger Arab world has changed the political and security landscape of the region. The popular uprisings have redefined the existing views towards the region and the way its population was perceived. In our continued efforts to analyze the dynamics, their possible consequences and what the AU PSC might best do to influence the situation, we have featured Egypt in this volume of our report. The analysis questions whether transition to democratic rule will be smooth, peaceful and orderly and if real opportunity for substantive change will arise.

The conflict ridden and resource rich Democratic Republic of Congo is also part of the report in the light of the presidential election scheduled for 27th of November 2011 and the sporadic violence in the eastern part of the country. The article highlights the urgent need for security, electoral and judicial sector reform and recommends options for engagement by the PSC.

Niger, which was suspended from its membership of the African Union in February 2010 following a coup that overthrew and detained President Mamadou Tandja, held a first round of presidential elections at the end of January 2011. A run-off election is scheduled for 12 March 2011. The commendable first round elections raised hopes that Niger could be a good example for Africa of a smooth post-coup transition. The analysis points out challenges that could, however, derail the process.

The post Summit analysis of the 16th ordinary session of the AU Assembly held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, from 30-31 January 2011 under the theme `Towards greater unity and integration through shared values` also forms an important part of the report.   

Duke Kent-Brown (Editor)