Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), also referred to as ISS Africa to differentiate it from other organizations with similar names worldwide, is dedicated to improving human security across Africa. The institute conducts independent and credible research, offers expert policy analysis and guidance, and provides hands-on training and technical support. Its research focuses on various critical areas, including transnational crime, migration issues, maritime security, development, peacekeeping, crime prevention, criminal justice, conflict analysis, and governance. As the largest independent research organization in Africa focused on human security, the ISS is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and has additional offices in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Senegal. In 2019, it was recognized in the Global Go To Think Tanks Report, ranking 116th overall and 55th among think tanks outside the United States.

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Articles

Traffic cop corruption tarnishes all policing in South Africa

2 months ago | issafrica.org | David Bruce

Anti-corruption measures targeting traffic police, not just SAPS, are vital to improve safety in SA’s major cities. Published on 20 February 2025 in ISS Today By David Bruce Independent Researcher and ISS Consultant One of the biggest challenges facing South African Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, is the fragmented character of policing in the country.
What does Trump’s likely Africa team say about policy direction?

Jan 17, 2025 | issafrica.org | Peter Fabricius

While the incoming US President is expected to be tough on SA, his wider Africa policy is less clear. Published on 17 January 2025 in ISS Today By United States (US) President Donald Trump’s likely Africa team is not looking favourable to South Africa. How it might impact the rest of the continent though, is more ambiguous.
Why were Africa’s violence levels up in 2024?

Jan 8, 2025 | issafrica.org | Jakkie Cilliers

Increasing levels of extreme poverty in Africa were turbocharged by COVID-19, fuelling the fire of relative deprivation. Published on 09 January 2025 in ISS Today By Jakkie Cilliers Head, African Futures and Innovation, ISS Pretoria 2024 was a bleak year for Africa. Libya and Sudan were partitioned. Ethiopia struggled to contain insurgencies in Tigray, Amhara and Oromia, and conflict continued in South Sudan and Somalia.
Sudan’s civil war fuels a new regional conflict economy | ISS Africa

Jan 7, 2025 | issafrica.org | Matt Herbert

The conflict has catalysed the region’s illicit markets as people turn to smuggling networks for essential goods. Published on 08 January 2025 in ISS Today By Matt Herbert Head of Research, North Africa and the Sahel, GI-TOC Sudan’s civil war continues to rage, with no sign that either the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are close to a military victory or open to a ceasefire.
The perpetual potential of South Africa’s partnership with Nigeria

Dec 6, 2024 | issafrica.org | Peter Fabricius

Bola Tinubu’s visit to SA underscores the potential, and the problems, of South Africa-Nigeria relations. Published on 06 December 2024 in ISS Today By Relations between sub-Saharan Africa’s two giants, South Africa and Nigeria, seem to be permanently frozen on the threshold of greatness. Why can’t they be the Germany-France of Africa, some ask, often invoking the golden era when presidents Thabo Mbeki and Olusegun Obasanjo collaborated to reform continental institutions.
South Sudan’s ‘game of thrones’ continues

Nov 29, 2024 | issafrica.org | Peter Fabricius

The fourth postponement of elections in less than a decade raises doubts South Sudan will ever reach democracy. Published on 29 November 2024 in ISS Today By After the fourth extension of South Sudan’s first post-independence elections, it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine how Africa’s youngest state will ever become a democracy. The polls were scheduled for December, with the transition ending in February 2025.
G20 Summit ticks most of the African Union’s boxes

Nov 22, 2024 | issafrica.org | Peter Fabricius

The AU was perhaps lucky that its first G20 was chaired by the like-minded Brazilian President Lula da Silva. Published on 22 November 2024 in ISS Today By The African Union (AU) appears to have had a good first G20 Summit this week. The 86-point G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration ticked most of the boxes of the AU’s key priorities.
Precision policing: a vital element of reducing firearm crime

Nov 11, 2024 | issafrica.org | David Bruce

A safer South Africa is only possible with less gun crime. Achieving that requires more from police than recovering illegal guns. Published on 11 November 2024 in ISS Today By David Bruce Independent Researcher and ISS Consultant Mass killings have wreaked havoc in numerous South African communities in recent months.
Are Southern Africa’s former liberation movements going out of fashion?

Nov 8, 2024 | issafrica.org | Peter Fabricius

In this month’s election, Namibia’s SWAPO ruling party could go the way of the ANC, BDP or perhaps FRELIMO. Published on 08 November 2024 in ISS Today By The main unstated aim of the Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa – an informal club of seven movements/parties that brought freedom to their countries – has always been to help each other stay in power.
Masisi and Khama square off again

Oct 25, 2024 | issafrica.org | Peter Fabricius

Botswana’s President Masisi confronts his arch-rival at next week’s election, but the real enemy may be elsewhere. Published on 25 October 2024 in ISS Today By Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi faces two major challenges when he seeks re-election on 30 October. One is his predecessor and now bitter rival, Ian Khama; the other is lab-grown diamonds. On the plus side, he is competing with an opposition that has failed to fully unite against him.