04/12/08, London – The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies together with the Brenthurst Foundation today announces the winner of its annual Nelson Mandela International Essay Competition on African Security and Development. The winner is J Peter Pham, Associate Professor of Justice Studies, Political Science, and Africana Studies and Director of the Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. USA. Pham’s essay , 'Imagining the Congo Secure and Stable’, won amidst stiff competition.

The runners-up were Stephen Carter, Co-ordinator of the UK's All Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and Chris Wake, a UK civil servant.

The Essays

www.rusi.org/mandelaessay

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Nelson Mandela International Essay Competition On African Security and Development
2. This competition is established jointly by RUSI and the Brenthurst Foundation with the generous support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
3. The Competition was open to professionals writing in the field, academics, government and armed forces' personnel, and new writers seeking to contribute to the debate. The winning entry received an award of £1,500 and a year's membership of RUSI, and two runners-up received a year's membership.
4. In 2008, entrants answered the question: “What Future for the Democratic Republic of Congo?”

ABOUT RUSI

Founded by the Duke of Wellington in 1831, the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) aims to work on the cutting edge of defence and security studies. Our purpose is to analyse, stimulate debate and identify options for all issues of national and international defence and security.

ABOUT THE BRENTHURST FOUNDATION

A Johannesburg based think tank devoted to strengthening Africa’s economic performance.