Institute for Peace and Security Studies

21/08/2026

Join IPSS on 28 August 2026 at 09:30 AM EAT for an analytical briefing session titled "Energy Justice and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa". Dr. Brice Kamguia will present new cross-country research exploring whether fair energy access, across distributive, procedural, and restorative dimensions, can promote peace and social stability. The event takes place at the IPSS Conference Hall, Addis Ababa University.

Read more 🔗👇Visit the link below for the concept note and full session agenda.

19/08/2026

14/08/2026

IPSS internal Pre-field seminar on Conflict Extensities.

13/08/2026

On Friday, 14 August 2026, IPSS hosts an upcoming roundtable discussion at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University.

The session, “Alternative Knowledge-systems for Conflict and Community Transformation (AKCCT),” will dive into the critical intersections of collaboration, peace education, and indigenous methodologies within Ethiopia. Moderated by Dr. Mercy Fekadu and Dr. Yonas Tarku, this discussion aims to shed light on transformative, culturally grounded community practices.

12/08/2026

🚨 New Outcomes Report

How do we bridge the gap between treaty ratification and the security of women in fragile settings?

The newly released IPSS-UNFPA outcomes report, "From Ratification to Reality: Protecting Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Conflict and Fragile Contexts," synthesizes key insights from our high-level dialogue held on June 25, 2026.

The report reframes reproductive rights as a fundamental cornerstone of human security, advocating for the integration of gender protections directly into national defense budgets and regional early warning architectures.



🔗Find the link to read and download the full report in the comment section below.

11/08/2026

🌍 Why does Africa's green transition require energy justice?

Despite possessing immense renewable potential, Africa remains one of the most energy-deprived regions in the world, a gap that fuels civil unrest and severe health crises.

In his latest piece for IPSS Insight on Substack, Dr. Brice Kamguia outlines why isolated national policies aren't enough and how intra-African cooperation is the key to an equitable, stable transition.



Read the full insight on Substack: 👇

The Strategic Role of Intra-African Cooperation in Africa's Green Transition

11/08/2026

🚨 New Publication

How do the internal democratic credentials of regional mediators shape post-conflict transitions?

Dr. Mwita Chacha’s new study in the AfSol Journal examines how the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has navigated South Sudan’s democratization process under the 2018 peace deal. The article highlights how institutional deficits within IGAD weaken its enforcement capacity, suggesting that regional bodies must adopt formal democracy protocols to drive lasting political reform.

🔗Find the link to read and download the full publication in the comment section below.

10/08/2026

And that’s a wrap! 👏 The “Ontologies of Peace in Ethiopian Societies” workshop has officially concluded at Addis Ababa University. From the presentation of fascinating research findings to the dynamic Q&A sessions, open discussions, and Dr. Mercy Fekadu's closing remarks, it was a day filled with critical reflections on the rituals and cultural artifacts of peace. Thank you to everyone who joined us in reimagining peacebuilding!

10/08/2026

Happening Now: Session III of “Ontologies of Peace in Ethiopian Societies”. Our final panel features Dr. Dagnachew ayenew, Dr. Negera Gudeta Adula, Dr. Alemayehu Gurmu, and Dr. Tilahun Bejitual Zellelew. The panelists presented papers exploring peacebuilding narratives among the Gumuz of Metekel, Jaarsummaa among the Oromo society, Kistane peace ontology, and indigenous peace-making norms and worldviews, respectively, which is now being followed by an engaging Q&A and open discussion.

10/08/2026

Happening Now: Session II of the workshop continues our deep dive into peace narratives. This panel features Bezawit Semu Abebe, Dr. Asebe Amenu Tufa, and Dr. Mercy Fekadu, who are unpacking St. Yared’s melodic ontology and the decolonization of peace studies, Oromo conceptions of peace with others, and Mursi peace-making rituals, respectively.