Spotlight: new partnership focuses on Southern Africa

ISS and the Government of Ireland are teaming up to improve governance and human rights in the region.

To solve Africa’s most pressing human security challenges, you need partnerships that match innovative thinking with local experience.

‘We are very excited to partner with the Institute for Security Studies,’ says Liam MacGabhann, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria. ‘Combined with Ireland’s experience in peace, stability and transitional justice, the ISS can provide the expertise and robust evidence we need to achieve our goal of improving the lives of citizens in South Africa and the region.’

A new five-year partnership between the ISS and the Government of Ireland aims to promote political interaction in South Africa and the region. The project will build civil society’s capacity to improve good governance and human rights in line with the Irish Embassy’s Pretoria Strategy for 2017–2021.

ISS and the Irish Embassy share a wealth of experience across political and development issues

‘As an emerging partner in Africa, Ireland offers different perspectives based on its unique history,’ says Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects at ISS. ‘This partnership comes at a time when Africa needs new thinking on how to address the continent’s challenges.’

The ISS and the Irish Embassy share a wealth of experience across a broad range of political, economic and development issues. Drawing on this collective knowledge, the partners will work with African inter-governmental organisations like the African Union, governments and civil society to tackle human security problems ranging from terrorism to violent crime and corruption.

The ISS’ extensive networks across Africa and its influence with senior representatives of governments and civil society enable it to provide analysis, training and technical support that can make a positive difference.

The partners signed the new agreement during the recent visit to Pretoria of Niall Burgess, Irish Secretary General for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. ISS experts briefed Burgess and his delegation on the conflict focal points including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, governance challenges in Southern Africa, and the growing migration crisis.

For more information contact:

Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, ISS: +27 12 346 9500, [email protected]

Picture: ©Amelia Broodryk/ISS

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