From policy to practice: Strengthening local South African government coalitions through legislation ahead of the 2026 elections
Executive summary Coalition governments have become a common feature within South Africa’s political landscape, especially at the local government level. However, the reality is that these coalition governments operate in a legal vacuum, as there is no legislation adopted to guide them. This has contributed to unstable governments hampered by internal strife and disputes, and often […]
National youth councils as ‘behemoths’ for youth engagement and representation in Africa
Abstract The interest in youth engagement and representation in Africa has gained currency in recent years. Consequently, legal, policy, and institutional frameworks have been established, with the goal of enhancing and strengthening youth engagement and representation in socio-economic and political spheres. In this context, national youth councils (NYCs) have been established as critical institutions for […]
This is a 1990 Moment – Africa Must Seize It
The continuity between the OAU and the AU runs far deeper and is more consequential than is commonly acknowledged
Evaluation of the African Union Peace and Security Council: Lessons from 20 years of intervention and recommendations for the future
Executive summary As the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) marks its 20th anniversary, it is important to reflect on its journey and take stock of the achievements, challenges, and opportunities. In essence, this commemoration provides an opportunity to reimagine the role of the PSC in promoting and consolidating the peace and security agenda on […]
A historical overview of coalition governments in the province of KwaZulu-Natal
Introduction This Policy and Practice Brief (PPB) is situated within the broader context of the rise of coalition politics in South Africa, in particular at the local government level. For instance, in 2021, the local government elections (LGEs) produced 70 hung local municipalities, a 159% increase compared to the 2016 LGEs, which had produced only […]
When democracy catches a cold, citizens sneeze: What is the cure for Africa?
The article focuses on the enormous challenges facing Africa in democratisation and the implications for peace and development and contributes to the ongoing debates about the state of democracy globally and in Africa, in particular.
When values inform approaches to climate security: The case of Zambia’s Southern Province
This policy and practice brief discusses the significance of community values in addressing climate related security risks.
Initiatives and Efforts to Institutionalise the Youth Peace and Security Agenda
This brief analyses the current youth, peace and security agenda on the African continent by looking at the various efforts and initiatives taken at the institutional level to advance the agenda.
Strengthening Democratic Governance and Political Stability in Africa: Critical Policy Perspectives
The brief analyses how and why African democracies are backsliding into authoritarianism and proposes actions for strengthening democratic governance and political stability and preventing future crises and conflicts.
Secessionists Movements and their Implications for Security in Africa: The Case of Southern Cameroons
Secessionist movements have become a norm in some post-independence African states, leading to violent conflict and civil war. This PPB examines the factors influencing secessionist movements in Cameroon.