Institute for Peace and Security Studies

🚨New Publication IPSS’s latest Special Policy Report examines the structural drivers of electoral risk in Ethiopia, specifically scrutinizing the intersection of economic grievances, political inclusion, and regional security dynamics. As Ethiopia approaches its 1 June 2026 elections, the pre-election environment is navigating a fragile political landscape shaped by declining public trust and complex socio-economic pressures. Amidst multifaceted shifts including recent macroeconomic restructuring, the implementation of new asset recovery and property tax laws, and evolving security dynamics concerning the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the trajectory toward the polls requires careful institutional navigation. In their report, "Ethiopia Towards the June 2026 Elections," @AbrahamGelaws and @jo_akamo analyze these intersecting vulnerabilities. They emphasize that mitigating instability risks and ensuring the credibility of the upcoming elections will depend on robust technical preparedness, transparent communication, and inclusive political processes. Read or download the full report 👉bit.ly/492P8L7

📢 Join the second NCIRI Seminar Series event, co-hosted by the @ALC_KCL and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies, together with partners from the ARUA-Guild CoRE on Interdisciplinary Peace. This session, “Opting for Ultimate Higher Ground: African space strategies and military security”, will examine the growing interests, developments, and deployment of military space strategies and capabilities by African countries. 📅 Friday, 22 May 2026 🕚 11:00 AM (BST) To attend, register via the QR code or via link 👉 bit.ly/4nAYDY8

🚨New Publication IPSS’s latest Policy Brief examines the intersection of election cycles and conflict mitigation, specifically scrutinizing early warning and action mechanisms. As an influential regional power, Nigeria is nearing a pivotal historical juncture that will challenge the African Union's dedication to the African Peace and Security Architecture and African Governance Architecture. As Nigeria prepares for its January 2027 general elections, the emerging political trends represent a major test for the African Union’s governance and conflict prevention protocols. In his brief, "Nigeria’s Journey to the 2027 General Elections: The African Union’s Resolve Under Test, Again," Jesutimilehin O. Akamo analyzes these evolving pressures and advocates for a unified preventive diplomacy framework that respects the principle of subsidiarity. Read or download the full brief: bit.ly/4eFmhjE

In the IPSS Insight publication dated May 9, 2026 Cynthia Happi addresses the fundamental question, "Who does transitional justice truly serve?" Her analysis explores the delicate equilibrium between international standards and regional customs in post-conflict recovery. Drawing upon Dustin Sharp's scholarship and the specific case of Rwanda's Gacaca courts, Happi's reading response investigates the constraints associated with both centralized international mandates and isolated local programs. Read the full analysis on substack: 👉🔗bit.ly/4dn1HlW

The latest IPSS Insight features reflections from Cynthia Happi, Managing Editor of the African Solutions Journal, regarding the core questions of transitional justice. In “Transitional Justice for Whom? A Reading Response,” Happi explores Dustin Sharp’s critiques of conventional methodologies, highlighting a necessary shift toward centering local communities and victims. The piece contends that for reconciliation to be truly effective, justice processes must transcend state-centric models in favor of more inclusive, community-led frameworks. Follow the link to read the full Insight 👉bit.ly/4uEz36T

🚨New Insight May 2, 2026 In this week’s IPSS Insight, Jesutimilehin O. Akamo, Coordinator of the Research and Policy Analysis Unit, examines the unsustainable link between rising global consumption and environmental impact in “The Paradox We Overlook: Sustainable Consumption, The Environment, and You.” The Insight draws on Yoruba traditions where communities lived within ecological limits, to underscore that sustainability requires restraint as much as innovation, highlighting how current consumption exceeds planetary limits and the need to reduce use and make more responsible choices. Follow the link to read the full Insight 👉bit.ly/4f2E6sW

📣IPSS is now on Substack! Following the launch of its weekly, stuff-led opinion series, the institute has made the pieces public on Substack in addition to its website. Follow the link to subscribe to our publication: @ipssaddis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">substack.com/@ipssaddis

The Tana Forum Secretariat thanks the Chairperson of the Tana Forum Board, H.E. @JDMahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for hosting the Tana Secretariat and Members of the Board to a mini banquet.

🚨New Insight April 25,2026 In this week’s IPSS Insight, Researcher Maysoon Mukheir from our Research and Policy Analysis Unit sheds light on the impact the conflict in Sudan is having on the country’s young population. In her Insight, entitled “A Generation Interrupted: Youth Mental Health and Sudan’s Future,” she stresses the importance of mental health awareness and youth empowerment in building a renewed social contract that benefits the people of Sudan. 🔗Follow the link to read the full Insight 👉bit.ly/4sQUwIo

📣Announcement IPSS is launching a weekly, staff-led opinion series that will bring fresh perspectives on issues relevant to peace and security. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our website and Substack for what's coming soon.

The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) has released a series of research publications for the first quarter of 2026. From examining the legitimization of military coups to reframing Africa’s financial future, our latest outputs offer objective, analytical perspectives on the continent’s most pressing security challenges. As we continue our work throughout the year, we look forward to sharing further insights from our ongoing research projects and upcoming institutional events. 🔗Please find the publications of the first quarter of 2026 on the IPSS website 👉 ipss-addis.org/publications/

Advancing Institutional Collaboration: IPSS at UM6P IPSS extends its appreciation to the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) for the opportunity to contribute to the International Staff Exchange Week in Rabat. This engagement enabled our Policy Dialogues and Strategic Partnership Coordinator, @FerialZoheb, to exchange ideas, share expertise and best practices, and explore new avenues of collaboration with academic and programme staff from partner institutions around the world. Discussions focused on forward-looking initiatives, including the role of artificial intelligence in higher education and innovative approaches to international project management. Zoheb also shared IPSS’s institutional experiences during a dedicated session on research funding, highlighting the Institute’s ongoing work in strengthening research partnerships and resource mobilization. IPSS further thanks the Faculty of Governance, Economic and Social Sciences (FGSES) at UM6P for fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence and global partnership. #UM6P #GlobalExchange

🚨New Publication Ethiopia has positioned green development as a core component of its climate policies, which has established the country as a leader in climate initiatives across the African continent. However, gaps in implementation, driven by financing constraints, limited local inclusion, and low private‑sector engagement, risks slowing progress. In her policy brief, "Bridging Policy and Practice: Strengthening Ethiopia’s Position as a Climate Leader," Sara Cosatti provides valuable insights and specific recommendations. Read or download the full brief: bit.ly/4tbPp6m #Ethiopia #ClimateAction

🚨New Outcomes Report The high-level dialogue, "Forces for Peace: Realities of Peace Support Operations in Africa," was held on February 11, 2026, in Addis Ababa by the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), in partnership with the @fes_au. The resulting outcomes report provides an objective analysis of the operational, political, and financial realities facing African-led deployments, emphasizing the critical need to align security interventions with credible political processes, governance reform, and sustainable financing. Follow the link to read or download the full report 👉 bit.ly/48A9Mlo

The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) is pleased to announce the release of its latest policy brief, authored by Cynthia Happi.

🚨New Publication The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) is pleased to announce the release of its latest policy brief, authored by Cynthia Happi. Entitled "Electoral Legitimisation of Military Coups in Gabon and Guinea: AU’s Normative Credibility and Enforcement Capacity at Crossroads?" this brief objectively analyzes the African Union's handling of the recent political transitions in Gabon and Guinea, examining the challenges to the AU's credibility and enforcement capacity. Read the full publication and download the brief here: 👉 bit.ly/4c1s1kW #AfricanUnion 💡 IPSS: Research to Build Peaceful African Societies

🚨New Publication We are pleased to announce the release of a new IPSS special policy brief titled "Libya's Entanglement: Any Credible Roadmap?". Authored by Dr. Frank Djan-Owusu the brief offers an objective analysis of Libya's political and security landscape and evaluates potential pathways for the future. 🔗Read the full policy brief 👉 bit.ly/417JDX9 #Libya 💡IPSS: “Research to Build Peaceful African Societies”

How do educational frameworks impact regional stability? Our recent policy brief, "Intentionality or Lethargy: Education Through a Peace and Security Lens," provides an objective analysis of this critical intersection. Read Vol. 17 - 12 by Grace O. Oladunni (PhD), Abraham G. Esayas, and Jesutimilehin O. Akamo Here: bit.ly/4bONs9S #EducationPolicy 💡 IPSS: “Research to Build Peaceful African Societies”