http://www.rusi.org/ web@rusi.org en-us Copyright 2013 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C519659DB40673/ With troops assigned to the UN's new offensive unit in the DR Congo arriving in Goma, hopes for a tougher response to the region's non-state armed groups have been raised. Yet while novel, the deployment of the unit poses its own challenges. 2013-05-17 17:27:21 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C5193598A7994E/ The attack on the Al-Amenas facility in Algeria earlier in the year reveals the nexus between organised crime and terrorism in West Africa. This has major implications for the international community and requires greater support to national governments in the region. 2013-05-15 10:50:32 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A5183D35BD2DF2/ As the London Conference on Somalia reconvenes, the focus remains on concerns surrounding the durability of the federal governmental structure 2013-05-03 16:10:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A517E5CD811E64/ France’s foreign-policy record on the Arab upheavals has been mixed, yet Franҫois Hollande’s presidency shows a stepchange in the French approach to unrest in the region 2013-04-29 12:43:29 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A51309AC5AA060/ Recent events in Mali and France's subsequent intervention raise questions about the roots of the conflict in a state that used to be considered an example of good governance in West Africa 2013-03-01 12:10:50 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C51223460690F6/ Long associated with the CIA's targeted killing programme, there are concerns that drones are a weapons system out of control. But a suggestion to deploy them on the UN mission in the Congo underscores the potential the system has in keeping the peace. 2013-02-18 14:07:21 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C511D272D72DDC/ The revelation of documents from fleeing jihadists in Mali reveals a centrally-directed attempt to achieve all the old Al-Qa'ida ambitions: to ally with other political movements in order to hijack them. 2013-02-14 18:05:35 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C5113B501179CB/ There have been many reports circulating that Qatar is directly or indirectly supporting terrorist groups in Mali, having asserted its influence in the rest of North Africa. But there would be no logical reason for Qatar to be involved or gain in meddling in Mali's affairs. 2013-02-07 14:09:15 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C51093FC497623/ As the UK sends 330 personnel to assist France's military intervention in Mali, there are real concerns that, like Afghanistan, the UK will be mired in another intractable conflict. However, the strategic conditions are very different for this to happen and it is wrong to assume there will be mission creep. 2013-01-30 15:45:33 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107F08E29646/ A concentrated multinational presence, coupled with the exploitation of an increasingly diverse range of data, is successfully informing counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean and elsewhere. Daran Scarlett of Esri UK examines the advances being made and what the future holds 2013-01-29 15:55:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C50FED9E953BBC/ The attacks on Algerian gas installations and the Mali insurgency has led the UK Prime Minister to describe this as a 'generational struggle'. However, what is happening across the Sahel region is a different terrorist challenge altogether, requiring a reappraisal in strategy. 2013-01-22 18:30:11 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C50FE5E5B77B13/ As French troops continue to engage Islamist rebels in Mali, questions are being raised over how long they will stay, and the real commitment of the president to ending France's long history of interventionism on the continent. 2013-01-22 09:43:25 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A50F81F7328BD9/ The African National Congress voted in December for Ramaphosa to join President Zuma at the party’s helm, with the goal of steering it, and South Africa, through muddy waters prior to national elections in 2014. 2013-01-17 15:58:50 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C50F7C5DB4E4D6/ The French assault on militant jihadists in Mali reflects a recognition in Paris that the long-brewing Islamist trouble in North Africa is something that has started to spiral out of control, and has potential to have a direct impact within France. 2013-01-17 09:42:24 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A50C76F33C6B1D/ Although primarily associated with women, the widespread use of mass rape against men, women and boys in the DRC effectively constitutes 'genocide by attrition' 2012-12-11 17:36:53 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C50A51D1394FF7/ With the northern part of Mali now under militant hands, regional countries are being left with no option but to provide a credible threat to intervene militarily. But will neighbouring states be able to sustain their intervention? 2012-11-15 16:49:28 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A5076DE02AAC99/ The second part of Susan Schulman's reportage from Mogadishu focuses on AMISOM, with text by Paul D Williams (Free access) 2012-10-11 15:56:40 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C504724175C109/ After nearly a year in Somalia, Kenya is preparing to commence its assault on Kismaayo, Al-Shabaab’s strategic and financial outpost, and the current front line of the concerted counter-insurgency campaign in southern Somalia. With Merca just fallen, could this prove the boon to the KDF’s expeditionary gamble? 2012-09-05 11:12:36 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C5033B7C89F136/ The news of Ethiopian Meles Zenawi's death may have eclipsed the inauguration of Somalia's new parliament - an event the UN has called a 'watershed moment' in Somalia's history. But with political and security challenges still unaddressed in Somalia, the end of the transition may turn out to be forgettable for other reasons too. 2012-08-21 17:35:12 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A502001690AB38/ The threat of Boko Haram has gained global attention. But the Nigerian response may be making things worse (Free access) 2012-08-06 18:43:02 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A50126DB302D85/ With growing international success in disrupting pirate attacks, the greatest challenge now facing counter-piracy is posed by the logistics and costs involved in prosecution 2012-07-27 11:31:08 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4FCF45F14B819/ In the aftermath of the Mali coup, northern secessionists have declared an independent Islamic state. With verifiable links to Al-Qa'ida, there is a real risk that 'Azawad', as it is known, will become the next wellspring of instability and terrorism in Africa. 2012-06-06 13:01:30 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F46C3CD21920/ Initial reflections on the high-level international conference on Somalia to agree a shared agenda on piracy, terrorism and development. 2012-02-23 23:03:50 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F26A89015CE9/ Predictions of a 'sub-Saharan spring' in southern Africa have as yet proved unfounded, but elections in the DRCongo and Zimbabwe are proving to be risky in the current climate of domestic turmoil. 2012-01-30 14:40:56 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F26A35089E5E/ Somalia will continue to dominate the 2012 agenda for East African states as the humanitarian impact of famine and ongoing fighting pulls in regional and international actors. Now embroiled in military operations, Kenya also faces a big year for domestic politics. Other regional dynamics are tying together Uganda and South Sudan, and Kenya and Eritrea, who are all facing political challenges. 2012-01-30 14:16:40 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F26978B55F4A/ With fewer elections scheduled for 2012 in West Africa, the emphasis will shift to regional security and dealing with complex security threats. Terrorist groups and local militias are still a major problem, while religious conflict and instability threaten the region’s largest economy; Nigeria. 2012-01-30 13:40:15 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F070903CBD34/ Lizz Pearson speaks with analyst Dominick Donald who recently wrote in the RUSI Journal analysing the piracy threat off the coast of Somalia. 2012-01-06 14:56:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4F043841CA21F/ Somalia has until August to complete political reform, inaugurate a new constitution and hold national elections before the end of the transitional period. It must also capitalise on the Kenyan incursion to rout Al-Shabaab and establish security in this enduring weak state, making 2012 a make-or-break year for Somalia. 2012-01-03 15:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4EE21E602BA85/ The problem of piracy has long exercised the minds of statesmen and military strategists alike. A survey of this history offers a treasure trove of tried and tested solutions 2011-12-09 14:42:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4EE21A114AC08/ Counter-piracy operations have proved to be a useful way for states to expand their influence in a strategically significant region 2011-12-09 14:24:21 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4EE21917980BD/ The international community can contain piracy in the short-term by denying the pirates sanctuary, engaging shipowners and avoiding the temptation to ban ransoms 2011-12-09 14:20:11 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4EE217A82476B/ How can the international community best deal with the single biggest maritime threat since the Second World War? (Free access) 2011-12-09 14:15:27 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4EB157D0AC0B6/ UK naval forces have stepped up anti-piracy operations and the use of force in the Indian Ocean. This could, however, signal an escalation and lead to a more dangerous phase in the battle against Somali pirates. 2011-11-02 14:49:48 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E8C2334D363D/ In the last few weeks, gangs based in Somalia kidnapped tourists visiting Kenya. Just a few days later, a massive suicide bomb ripped through Mogadishu, claiming dozens of lives and shattering the relative peace that had followed Shabaab's withdrawal. The events pose a fresh challenge to the Somali government's road map for security and development. 2011-10-05 10:31:57 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4E82EC2B128EF/ Will the international community seize the opportunity presented by the famine in the Horn of Africa to re-energise its efforts against Al-Shabaab and develop a sustained campaign of assistance for Somalia? 2011-09-28 10:46:31 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E60FB3BA5686/ By Richard Dowden, Director of the Royal African SocietyParts of Africa have become zones of interest for the US, but its focus on military operations might be counter-productive. Instead the decision by China to focus on resources and commerce could prove far greater in significance. 2011-09-02 16:51:01 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E60F95574BBE/ The last decade has seen more Western military involvement in Africa than in the 1990s but policy-makers remain reluctant to become involved in Africa's internal problems. 2011-09-02 16:45:26 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E4E4CCA5B0B6/ The Horn of Africa famine continues to claim lives and livelihoods across south-central Somalia, the heartland of the Al-Shabaab insurgency where neither the government nor the international community dare to tread. Sustained commitment and co-operation are needed on all sides to mitigate the crisis. 2011-08-19 12:49:06 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4E31764365A2F/ Once friends, China is now providing serious competition for the Brazilian economy - and Brazil's new president, Dilma Rousseff, needs to regain the initiative 2011-07-28 15:48:40 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4E0C9EE1D0635/ With ten days to go until South Sudanese independence, tensions are high. Violence continues along the disputed border, and aid organisations fear another humanitarian crisis in a country wracked by conflict. At this crucial intersection, can Sudan be pulled back from the brink? 2011-06-30 17:07:42 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4DE786137AB74/ AMISOM needs more materiel and personnel to stabilise Mogadishu 2011-06-02 13:46:15 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4DE50E125E40F/ 'Global solutions for African problems' may be the new mantra for the continent's security 2011-05-31 16:50:16 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D35911BA6D22/ Analysis by Professor Stephen Chan of the School of Oriental and African Studies and Dr Knox Chitiyo, Head of the Africa Programme at RUSI. Does the South Sudan Referendum signal all change in Africa? 2011-01-18 13:16:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D356ABBD8CF0/ Many of South Sudan's child soldiers became combatants after witnessing human rights violations. A post-secession government must realise their aspirations or risk further conflict. 2011-01-18 10:29:48 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D34B6FF29918/ Will Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution be followed in other parts of North Africa and the Middle East, or will the opposition be co-opted into the status quo? 2011-01-17 21:42:51 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D259C599C33B/ Those campaigning for independence in the forthcoming South Sudan referendum will be cautiously optimistic. Should their hopes be fulfilled, the poll will not be the end of the road, but rather the beginning of Sudan’s next chapter. 2011-01-06 10:44:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D259C599C33B/ Those campaigning for independence in the forthcoming South Sudan referendum will be cautiously optimistic. Should their hopes be fulfilled, the poll will not be the end of the road, but rather the beginning of Sudan’s next chapter. 2011-01-06 10:44:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4D1082E433AF6/ The January 2011 Referendum in south Sudan has attracted global interest; but Abyei will also have a Referendum at the same time to determine whether the region is part of north or south Sudan. The Abyei Referendum will not only be crucial for a north-south peace settlement, it will also play a part in determining the stability for the region. 2010-12-21 10:44:06 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4CED5FC3F3ED8/ The euphoria of the World Cup is over. What now for South African politics? 2010-11-24 18:56:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4CED5E4DDF0DF/ Drug flows through Africa pose a threat to stability 2010-11-24 18:49:53 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4C932B85440CB/ The recent kidnapping and execution by AQIM has alarmed France 2010-09-17 09:50:13 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4C6E45464C39E/ Zimbabwe's military establishment is underpinned by nepotism and Mugabe's favouritism. But can it withstand growing resentment in the lower ranks? 2010-08-22 23:45:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C45B35122E02/ In the aftermath of the Kampala bombings, contentious questions are being raised regarding the influence of extremist groups in the region. With Uganda calling for a consolidated military presence in the country, is Somalia becoming the new Afghanistan? 2010-07-20 15:32:35 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C3B79DE90E55/ Zimbabwe's Deputy Prime Minister, Thokozani Khupe, briefs RUSI on security, economic and democratic developments in her country. 2010-07-12 21:29:55 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4C5013B566140/ Dr Knox Chitiyo, Head of the RUSI Africa Programme is one of the co- authors of the recently published paper 'Maritime Development in Africa: An Independent Specialists Framework.' 2010-07-05 12:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4BF5645735745/ Sudan's first multi-party elections in twenty-four years have proven to be every bit as challenging as envisaged 2010-05-20 17:33:38 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4BF5637DBCED6/ The Algiers summit has finally produced some substance for meaningful co-operation. It could mean a new start for regional security 2010-05-20 17:29:58 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4BA0C89D37A04/ A spate of elections and referendums in the Horn of Africa will inevitably add to the already unstable mix of insurgency, potential secession, and militarisation 2010-03-17 12:18:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4BA0C87A64C7C/ Can the growing civilianisation of Nigeria's politics bring greater security in the face of both religious conflict and the potentially fractious 2011 elections? 2010-03-17 12:17:58 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4B0BC907A26A6/ Kenya and Zimbabwe need to quicken the pace of their reform agendas, or risk new violence in coming elections 2009-11-24 11:52:51 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB09909F856/ Somalia is once again in turmoil. But the solution may be more obvious than appears 2009-10-30 15:43:14 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4AB0EA5EBDE73/ Al-Shabaab and its brand of Islamist terror has alarmed observers. The international community would do well to attend to the current blend of jihadist violence, national resistance and vested interests. 2009-09-16 14:39:16 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4AB0EA3368590/ Obama and Clinton's visit to Africa in July demonstrates the importance of the continent to the current US administration. But the president may yet face challenging hurdles in his dealings with African people and countries. 2009-09-16 14:38:29 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A60A1AE6F3F5/ The trial of Charles Taylor is a milestone for justice in Africa; but it also has a global significance. Beyond the penny dreadful, stereotypical media headlines of dictators running for cover, this trial could also have a serious impact on domestic politics and foreign policy in London and Washington. 2009-07-17 17:09:37 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A26436289B1F/ Piracy off the cost of Somalia has become an increasingly salient international issue. These questions and answers provide a background understanding of the phenomenon and survey possible responses from the shipping industry and the international community. 2009-06-03 10:44:58 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C49A7C35DD8E9A/ Power-sharing government in Zimbabwe will be a difficult balancing act. Competition between the MDC and ZANU-PF as well as intra-party struggles could lead to instability or to dangerous compromises, but for the moment the GNU is Zimbabwe’s one sign of hope. 2009-02-27 10:44:44 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C497F5797BD5F0/ The remarkable alliance between the Rwanda and the Congo governments and the arrest of Laurent Nkunda offers hope for the future, but internationalising the conflict further may prove problematic. 2009-01-27 18:53:46 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C496A0E4B79557/ The year 2009 will start the way 2008 ended; with the Zimbabwe question unresolved. Foreign military intervention is unlikely to take place, and in the present situation a neighbouring country will find it difficult to justify invading Zimbabwe. If the MDC wish to give force to their ultimatum, they should not allow themselves to be steamrollered into joining a Government of National Unity. 2009-01-11 15:22:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C49622D9BA891C/ Congo is the third largest country in Africa and possesses vast mineral wealth, but its immense economic potential has never been realised. If Africa is gradually shaking off its image as ‘the hopeless continent’, today the Congo would still epitomise the ‘hopeless country’. 2009-01-05 16:00:07 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4937CBF5C198D/ Although religious tensions between Christians and Muslims are a major factor in the recent violence in the Nigerian town of Jos, the disturbances there are also symptomatic of wider systemic problems in Nigeria. 2008-12-04 12:27:29 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C49269D338D73D/ The Congo crisis is central Africa’s most complex and destructive conflict, and one for which there is no quick fix. Co-ordinated local, regional and international peace talks and humanitarian interventions are a starting point, but ultimately it is the people of the DRC who will have to resolve their country’s fundamental problems. 2008-11-21 11:42:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:N4926E42ADC55D/ The European Union is set to launch its first naval operation off the coast of Somalia. A number of operational and legal challenges will have to be confronted. 2008-11-21 10:49:15 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4901F98C2E4DF/ The former UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Sir Kieran Prendergast, opened the Crisis in the Horn of Africa conference on 23 October 2008. This is a summary of his address. 2008-10-24 17:38:08 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C48D23787C2A20/ The West may be upset that Mugabe remains, but without its aid, this historic deal will founder 2008-09-18 12:14:36 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C48D8D09B47AD2/ Knox Chitiyo explains what the deal between Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe means for Zimbabweans and the future of their country. 2008-09-12 12:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C478F2F9354608/ France has announced its willingness to contribute an additional 500 troops and about ten helicopters to the EUFOR Chad/CAR mission. Regardless, logistical issues loom large on the horizon and will provide a critical test for European Security and Defence Policy. 2008-01-17 10:39:43 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A476271C72B571/ The European Union's upcoming military operation in Africa is one of its largest, most ambitious and, hence, most challenging to date. 2007-12-14 12:06:37 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A47626F9975257/ War in Sudan is never straightforward. Multiple and interlocking internal conflicts have drawn in myriad international actors and 'globalized' the violence. 2007-12-14 11:57:16 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A46B7042DF0ADC/ The concept of 'patriotic blackness' is crucial to any understanding of Africa's stance towards Robert Mugabe's regime. 2007-08-06 12:21:39 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A45D999F185CB3/ The multinational (that is, Ethiopian and US) intervention in Somalia has attracted a great deal of comment and criticism. However, despite its flaws, this intervention may yet have a positive impact. The current Somali experiment in power-sharing might just work. 2007-02-19 12:37:10 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7be0259c/ Saif Al Islam Al Qadhafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi and heir-apparent, outlines his thoughts on peace and security on the African continent. 2004-06-18 12:23:45 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75e332db/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7644e08b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:P40C8742E99B7C/ Part II – Readiness and the Challenges Ahead. Can the SANDF play its part in democratic South Africa’s ambitious foreign policy schemes for African stability, growth and recovery – what has been coined by Thabo Mbeki as an African renaissance’ 2004-06-10 15:46:06