This issue of FOCUS reports on increased aggression by the South African apartheid regime against neighboring Southern African countries, including Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland, following threats from the South African State Security Council. It details incidents of cross-border raids, military build-ups, and political developments in the region during late 1985 and early 1986. The publication includes updates on the activities of the ANC, SWAPO, and South African surrogate forces, as well as responses from affected governments. The issue also contains subscription information and a statement of IDAF's objectives.

This issue documents South African destabilisation operations in Southern Africa during 1988-1989, including military attacks, support for insurgent groups (UNITA, MNR), cross-border raids, bombings, assassinations, and other forms of aggression in Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. The article references numerous primary sources and provides context on the humanitarian impact, including displacement and refugee crises.