Institute For Security Studies
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is a pan-African policy research organisation focused on human security, governance and conflict analysis across the continent. It conducts research, offers training and provides policy advice to governments, regional bodies and international partners on issues including organised crime, terrorism, illicit trade and natural-resource governance. The institute has offices in several African cities, including Pretoria, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dakar, giving it a broad continental footprint. Its analysts frequently publish reports and commentary on conflict dynamics in the Great Lakes region, including illicit gold and mineral smuggling networks linking the Democratic Republic of Congo to regional and global markets. The ISS works closely with regional economic communities such as the Economic Community of Central African States and the African Union on peace and security matters. It is regularly cited by journalists and policymakers as an independent source of expertise on organised crime, artisanal mining and cross-border security threats in sub-Saharan Africa. The institute also monitors armed groups and their financing mechanisms, including those operating in eastern Congo. Its research informs debates on curbing corruption and improving mineral-supply-chain transparency. Established to strengthen African-led approaches to security challenges, the ISS has grown into one of the continent's most cited security-research bodies. It maintains partnerships with donor governments and international organisations to fund its research and outreach programmes.
Institute For Security Studies Updates
Unusual suspects: elders in West Africa’s changing drug trade
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 27th August 2026 The apparent rise of trafficking by older adults could reflect a new criminal adaptation rather than individual criminality. Adults aged 50 and... →
Africa must unlock the capital beneath its farmers’ feet
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 26th August 2026 Agriculture is the foundation for Africa’s economic takeoff, but without land tenure reform, its potential will remain untapped. Africa’s quality... →
Africa’s Road to Prosperity: 10 Things to Know
17th August 2026 Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region, yet it still grapples with extreme poverty. How can African countries leapfrog traditional... →
With terrorism on its doorstep, Guinea must tackle internal vulnerabilities
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 11th August 2026 Guinea’s response to the growing threat must consider domestic risk factors, not just the threat from neighbouring Mali. Guinea has so far been... →
How Sudan’s war is destroying its development future
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 11th August 2026 Modelling shows that the civil war is pushing an already fragile development trajectory towards systemic collapse. Over 150 000 people have been... →
Without the right tools, COP31’s implementation promise will fail Africa
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th August 2026 Key climate finance decisions have again been deferred, leaving African countries without the tools to deliver on ambitious goals. Geopolitical... →
Women bring vital experience to African peacekeeping missions
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th August 2026 National environments shaping the women who serve should be a central part of discussions about the future of peace operations. Fundamental shifts... →
Boko Haram’s Cameroonian commanders are extending the group’s reach
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 3rd August 2026 Boko Haram’s growing reliance on its Cameroonian leaders is fuelling attacks in the country and strengthening the group’s resilience. Boko Haram is... →
Rethinking the AU's Somalia peace mission after US funding cuts
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 29th July 2026 Ending the military-heavy AUSSOM gives the AU space to develop a political mission focused on long-term stabilisation. After nearly 20 years of... →
Fragmented security allows terrorists’ cross-mobility across Lake Chad and Sahel
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 27th July 2026 As Islamic State affiliates extend their reach, states must find ways to share intelligence and cooperate, despite political fractures. Islamic... →
