ABOUT CSDS
The Centre for Strategic and Defence Studies, Africa (CSDS Africa) is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank dedicated to improvement in security and governance transitions in stable, fragile, failed and conflict-affected states in Africa.
CSDS partners with Government agencies and international organizations to deepen advocacy, compliance verification, technical training and monitoring of national implementation of international and regional security instruments relating to Terrorism, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Cyber, Maritime, Border, Defense, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) security in Africa. Based in Accra, CSDS maintains a global, multi-disciplinary network of researchers, practitioners, and academics specializing in the field of international peace and security.
CSDS seeks to enhance the effectiveness of donor assistance and support to security sector programs through research, events, training and direct policy advice to African governments.
Publications and Projects
The Center produces monthly digests, regional assessments, security rankings, monographs, annual awards and related publications from our network of experts. The object of these publications is to encourage early action, engagement, and improved awareness of the security landscape, in areas such as:
- Anti-Money Laundering
- Armed Conflict Law
- Border Security
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Security
- Conflict Resolution
- Counter Narcotics
- Counter-Violent Extremism
- Cyber Security
- Defence and Civil-Military Relations
- Electoral Security
- Environmental Security
- Intelligence Management
- Maritime Security
- Natural Resource Conflict
- Nuclear Security and Safety
- National Security & Intelligence Law
- Peacekeeping, Diplomacy and Disarmament
- Police Sector Reform
- Public Health Security
- Regional and International Security Cooperation
- Security Sector Governance & Reform
- Trade and Economic Security
- Terrorism
Areas of Focus
Conflict, Peace, and Governance
CSDS conducts field research to understand national, regional and continental trends in conflict, politics, economics and development. Results inform local and international policy and strategy, and enable decision makers to test the implications of their policy choices well into the future.
Border, Cyber and Maritime Security
CSDS raises awareness about border, cyber and maritime security and its role in Africa’s economy, and works with ECOWAS, African Union, SGI to develop policy and strategy.
Defence, Peace Operations and Peace Building
CSDS works with governments and regional and international institutions to improve security, intelligence and defence policy, as well as peacekeeping and peacebuilding practice.
Public Health Security, CBRN Threats and Regional Trade
CSDS work with national governments, regional and international institutions to improve understanding and management of regional health security threats, bio-terrorism and CBRN risks.
Intelligence, Transnational Threats, and International Crime
CSDS partners with national governments, regional and international institutions, and civil society to respond effectively and appropriately to terrorism, organised crime, arms proliferation, crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.
Statutory Law Review and Enforcement
CSDS partners to develop policies and strategies that improve the performance of the criminal justice system and mitigates violence.
CSDS Advisory Board
Ms. Esther Appiah (Ghana)
Vice-Admiral Matthew Quarshie (UK)
Dr. Ebenezer Appiah-Denkyira (Ghana)
Mr. Choolun Bhojoo (Mauritius)
Ms. Filomena Maria Lopez (Guinea-Bissau)
Prof. Stephen Offei (Ghana)
Mr. Nicole Kerry Fanchatte (Seychelles)
Mr. Patrick Lumumba Adera (Kenya)
Brig. Gen. Abdullah Ahmed (Nigeria)
Lt. Col. Maravan Mohammed (Egypt)
ACP Patience Quaye (Ghana)
Mr. Ravi Darayanani (Ghana)
Mr. Foster Dogbe (USA)
Mr Emmanuel Sowatey (Ghana)
Mr. Alphonso Samukai (Liberia)
Gen. Patrick Lumumba Adera (Kenya)