‘In everything we do, in all the countries where we work, the ISS is dedicated to making a difference,’ says Anton du Plessis, Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

‘Our analysis of Africa’s complex security, rule-of-law and development issues informs policy and practical responses at the highest levels. We bring a unique African perspective to global debates and decision making, and shape continental, regional and national responses.’

The ISS’ 2015 annual review explains how we deliver on our goals. The ‘stories of change’ in the review provide examples of the tangible impact ISS has in its work. Infographics and data show how the ISS responds to Africa’s complex security threats.

The ISS partners to build knowledge and skills that secure Africa’s future. It provides independent research, credible policy advice, practical training and technical assistance. Positive and sustainable change is what drives the organisation and its staff, who come from 15 African countries.

ISS brings a unique African perspective to global debates and decision making

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‘The influence of the ISS is real and is reflected by the appointment of its researchers to UN expert panels monitoring sanctions in South Sudan and Libya,’ says Said Djinnit, President of the ISS Advisory Council. ‘The ISS works in the continent’s security hot spots, from Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Burundi and Kenya.’

In Burundi, for example, the president is clinging to power; fuelling a political and humanitarian crisis. ISS has been a trusted advisor and information source on Burundi, providing early warning and risk analysis to African and global decision makers.

In South Africa, the ISS is the leading independent resource on crime trends and violence prevention. Our researchers help build accountability for corruption and advise on police reform. The ISS substantially strengthened the regulatory body that prevents abuse of power by a large and heavily armed police force. We shaped the legislation that established an independent police investigative directorate, which today holds the police to account.

The ISS develops the skills of investigators, prosecutors and judges. In Uganda, ISS has helped police and courts tackle terrorists and rebel groups in complex cases with huge amounts of evidence, many victims and accused from several countries. The ISS also helped Ugandan police deliver courses at the new counter-terrorism training school and our counter-terrorism training manual and standard operating procedures booklet guide officers in terrorism investigations.

Peacekeeping operations are the most visible responses to conflict. Soldiers are traditionally associated with these operations, but police are just as important; they bring access to justice and protect human rights in countries emerging from conflict. The ISS is a leading partner in the design and implementation of African Union (AU) policies on policing in peace support operations that will contribute to stability on the continent. We support the UN, AU and regional bodies as they build capacity for effective peace operations and peacebuilding.

Sound research and analysis underpins the work of the ISS. It enables the ISS to understand the main threats to human security and advise on how best to respond. We know that to ignore threats like terrorism, corruption and organised crime, or to respond without understanding, could just make them worse.

CREDIT LINK:  https://www.issafrica.org/iss-spotlight/bringing-positive-change-to-africa

The article was first published by The Institute for Security Studies (http://www.issafrica.org) and is republished with permission  granted to www.oasesnews.com