The new members of the AU’s Panel of the Wise include a number of high-profile individuals. It remains to be seen, however, what role they can play in peacemaking and mediation in Africa.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is looking at innovative new ways for the continent to work together to combat terrorism. These include an Africa-wide arrest warrant and regional counter- terrorism units.

The PSC considered the situation in South Sudan during a meeting on 17 September. High-level talks on the issue broke down due to last-minute meddling by some members of the regional mediating team.

An attempted coup in Lesotho early September has spurred the international community into action. The Southern African Development Community is now seized with the matter.

The publication of the PSC Report is made possible through the support of the Humanity United Foundation and the Hanns Seidel Stiftung. The ISS is also grateful for the support of the following members of the ISS Partnership Forum: the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the USA.