The advent of the African Union (AU) can be described as an event of great magnitude in the institutional evolution of the continent. On 9.9.1999, the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity issued a Declaration (the Sirte Declaration) calling for the establishment of an African Union, with a view, inter alia, to accelerating the process of integration in the continent to enable it play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems compounded as they are by certain negative aspects of globalisation.
Facilitation support to the AU-IGAD Member States Workshop
- The ISSAT Expert is needed to deliver a session on SSR strategic planning processes and guide participants from AU Member States in the Eastern African Region on how to initiate their national SSR planning and implementation processes.
- The expert will also assist in the facilitation of the workshop deliberations and processes.
Support to the AU “Training and sensitization workshop on the OGN on code of conducts for African security institutions"
Under the 2013 programme ‘Building African Union Capacities in Security Sector Reform’, the African Union Commission (AUC) has produced a number of SSR Operational Guidance Notes (OGN) and other policy documents to support the implementation of the AU-SSR Policy Framework. Amongst these is the OGN on “code of conducts for African security institutions” which requires priority dissemination given the recommended setting-up of normative frameworks by Member States.
In addition, the AUC is currently on an advanced stage in the process of development of two important PSO policy tools, namely i) AU Policy on Code of Conduct and Discipline in Peace Support Operations and ii) AU policy on prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse for Peace Support Operations.
Support to the AU on the 2nd Africa Forum on SSR
The Commission of the African Union (AU) will convene the 2nd Africa Forum on Security Sector Reform (SSR) on 22 – 24 October 2018. The workshop will take place at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The aim of the 2nd Africa Forum on SSR is to take stock of SSR developments on the African continent and to map a way forward for AU Member States, RECS/RMs, the international partners and African stakeholders. DCAF is requested to support the African Union Commission in the organization and management of the event before, during and after the dates of the event.
Sensitization workshop on DDR and SSR : « sharing lessons learned and good practices »
As part of its annual programme of work, the Commission of the African Union (AU) is supporting the Government of Mali through its Mission in Mali and in the Sahel (MISAHEL) to organize a Sensitization workshop on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) and Security Sector Reform (SSR): “Sharing lessons learned and best practices” on 5-7 March 2019, in Bamako.
The objective of the workshop is to identify the current progress and challenges of the accelerated DDR process; to discuss issues of integration and national frameworks to support the existing processes and promote best practices, and experience sharing from other Member States whom have undergone similar experiences.
Given the AUC-DCAF JDI on SSR collaboration, DCAF has been asked to support the AUC DSD and the MISAHEL during the workshop. The following DCAF assistance is envisaged:
- Attend the workshop to share experiences;
- Stand-in as panel facilitators and speakers in specific sessions, according to the final programme
Two SSR experts (one from ISSAT, one from SSAD) will take part in the workshop.
DCAF’s support involves collaboration between SSAD and ISSAT, with the latter leading the DCAF team.
Support to the facilitation of the inaugural meeting of the AU Steering Committee on SSR
To provide surge capacity to the AUC DSD in the conceptualisation and implementation of a successful first SSR Steering Committee meeting through:
- Input and assistance in finalization of the Draft Concept Note and Terms of Reference.
- Provision of comment/input on the draft Agenda.
- Facilitation of panel discussions on the implementation of the AU SSR Framework in Member States engaged in SSR initiatives.
- Presentation on relevant topic (TBC).
- Support the AUC on strengthening engagement with regional and international partners to collectively improve their support to Member States activities related to SSR.
- Support the identification of recommendations and way forward for the Steering Committee based on needs and actions identified.
- Reinforcement of the secretariat on reporting.
IGAD National Training Workshop to Support Sudan in Formulating Security & Justice Sector Reform (SSR)
Following the submission of a comprehensive proposal for DCAF’s collaboration with IGAD’s Peace and Security Division and a successful pilot phase in 2019, IGAD’s Security Sector Programme (ISSP) has currently requested ISSAT to reinforce the capacity of their team delivering a five-day Training Workshop to support Sudan authorities in formulating S&J reform. This activity is part of the implementation of IGAD’s ongoing regional Peace and Security Strategy.
This support contributes to a strengthened African Peace and Security Architecture on SSR, as well as to improving IGAD’s assistance to its MS. This assistance incrementally builds the DCAF-IGAD partnership, contributing internationally to SDGs 5, 16, 17.
SSR Training on Somalia
Following the submission of a comprehensive proposal for DCAF’s collaboration with IGAD’s Peace and Security Division, IGAD’s Security Sector Programme (ISSP) has requested ISSAT to reinforce the capacity of their team delivering a five-day Training Workshop on Formulating/Updating the SSR and DDR strategies for Somalia. This activity is part of the implementation of IGAD’s ongoing regional Peace and Security Strategy.
The aim of this mandate (in addition to incoming requests in 2019) is to pilot the envisaged collaboration with a view to better understand IGAD’s ISSP modus operandi, and to incrementally build the partnership contributing to deliver on SDG 16 and 17.
Training workshop on the African Union Operational Guidance Note on Gender and Security Sector Reform
The overall objective of the workshop is:
(i) to create a platform of discussion among participants on the status (gaps and challenges) on gender mainstreaming in Defence and Security institutions at national levels of AU Member States and in Peace Support Operations (PSO), and
(ii) to sensitize and train participants on the utilization of AU Gender OGN to address identified issues.
IGAD Capacity Building Training for Security Sector Development and Women Empowerment
Following the submission of a comprehensive proposal for DCAF’s collaboration with IGAD’s Peace and Security Division, IGAD’s Security Sector Programme (ISSP) has requested ISSAT to reinforce the capacity of their team delivering a three-day Training Workshop on Security Sector Development, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. This activity contributes to the implementation of IGAD’s ongoing regional peace and security strategy.
The aim of this mandate (in addition to incoming requests in 2019) is to pilot the envisaged collaboration with a view to better understand IGAD’s ISSP modus operandi , and to incrementally build the partnership contributing to deliver on SDG 5, 16 and 17.
Training Workshop on Formulating/Updating the Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Strategies for Sudan
The specific objectives of this national training workshop are:
- To train 38 officials from the relevant security and justice institutions on formulating and updating their comprehensive national SSR and DDR related Security strategies;
- To provide a platform for national and regional technical experts to jointly reflect on their SSR and DDR priority areas identified in their National Security Policies (NSP) and to further compare with AU and IGAD Peace and Security Policy Frameworks that have been formulated;
- To assess and review the existing related National Security Policies and Strategies; as well as respectively evaluate their implementation and key possible gaps;
- To explore ways for IGAD, AU and UN, on their complementary roles and responsibilities, to assist the State in updating and implementing its strategies and initiatives;
- To engage experts from national security institutions, AU and UN to jointly develop and update SSR & Reintegration strategies at the national level as they are interrelated, based on the identification of relevant local and national SSR & DDR stakeholders;
- To enhance the required skills of participants and provide inspiration on the best practices of formulating and updating SSR & Reintegration strategies by involving resource persons with great wealth of experience and knowledge
Reinforcing African Union SSR Unit support to national SSR processes (Madagascar)
The Defense and Security Division (DSD) of the African Union (AU) requested ISSAT's support to reinforce the assistance of the African Union (AU) to national SSR processes, starting with Madagascar.
ISSAT provided one advisor who supported the AU SSR Unit and the African Union Liaison Office (AULO), in assisting the implementation of the SSR process. The advisor was deployed on a short-term mission to Madagascar, which was reinforced by backstopping from ISSAT's core staff, over the course of the year.
- The first deployment: 1) provided an assessment of the state of play of the SSR process, and of the AU support to it, reflecting on challenges of coordination; 2) analysed one of the main causes of human insecurity and drivers of conflict in the country, i.e. the Dahalo phenomenon, and its underlying linkages to the SSR process in terms of effectiveness and governance of the security institutions;
- The focus of subsequent ISSAT support to the AU within this specific mandate built on the findings and recommendations of the first deployment.
High-level sensitisation and training workshop on the National SSR process in Madagascar
ISSAT was requested to support the African Union Commission, by providing two experts to facilitate workshop sessions as appropriate. The workshop aimed to maintain momentum of the national SSR process by enhancing capacities of participants on SSR concepts, and brainstorming on the interaction and collaboration between the future BNC/RSS and the SPDSN as a new organ whose mandate complements and overlaps with the SSR process. It targeted high-level national officials from the SPDSN/HCDN, the Ministry of National Defence, the Parliament as well as representatives of the former CTO RSS.
The specific objectives were to:
- Enhance capacities of participants on SSR concepts, norms and standards, including the AU SSR Policy Framework;
- Enhance capacities of participants on SSR Planning, implementation and coordination mechanisms;
- Learn from comparison, building on the experiences of SSR processes in other African countries taking into account fundamental principles related to the elaboration of National Security Strategies,
- Discuss the challenges and possible solutions of the effectiveness of the BNC/RSS, its synergy and complementarity with the recently launched parallel process of National Security Strategy, as well as the improvement of coordination with international partners, and how best to develop resource mobilization strategies.
Africa Union DDR Conference
The Defence and Security Division (DSD) of the Peace and Security Department (PSD) of the African Union has been implementing a DDR Capacity Programme with support from the World Bank. The Programme aims at strengthening DDR capacities within the AU, its member states, the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms to support national and regional DDR initiatives. It is divided into three pillars, namely institutionalizing DDR capacity in the AU, Knowledge Management and Direct support to member states. The workshop is being organised under the Knowledge Management component. The two expected products, i.e., the Compendium on DDR Experiences on the African continent and the Training Manual on DDR aim to be tools to train DDR practitioners according to best practices and recent innovations in the field.
ISSAT’s participation in the event will strengthen the evolving work relations with the African Union’s Peace and Security Department.
Policy and Research Papers
Report of the African Civil Society Consultation on the Draft African Union Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform
The African Union (AU) held an African civil society consultation on the draft AU Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform (SSR), in Abuja, Nigeria, from 22-24 November 2010. This publication presents the main highlights and conclusions of the consultation.
African Union Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform (SSR)
Africa is generally recognized as the theatre where the vast majority of SSR processes take place, particularly as part of post-conflict reconstruction. Yet, such SSR processes have been mostly informed by externally-generated policy frameworks and assumptions that often do not necessarily align with the realities and sources of insecurity of African peoples, states and societies.
In this policy framework, the African Union aims to reiterate its recognition of, and commitment to, existing normative frameworks on SSR, particularly those developed by the United Nations and other multilateral actors. The AU policy framework on SSR emanates from the recognition of the continuing gap between existing approaches to SSR and deficits in the delivery and governance of security in many AU Member States.
Report of the Joint Security Sector Reform Assessment Mission to the Central African Republic
This report is a product of the Joint Assistance Mission to CAR, conducted by the African Union, European Union, the United Nations and the African Security Sector Network, in conjunction with the Government of the CAR. It presents an analysis of the evolution of the CAR security sector, the current situation since the crisis that started in 2013, a threat assessment of the country, and makes recommendations, on the way forward in the short term before the elections planned for 2015, and in the medium and long terms after the elections.
Content
Executive Summary
Introduction
Findings of the Mission
Summary of Recommendations
Chapter I – Political, Socio-economic and Security Context
- Political
- Socioeconomic Analysis
- Existing spoilers and armed groups
- The Ex-Seleka Coalition
- The Anti-Balaka Militias
- Zaraguinas “coupeur de route”
- Poachers
- The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)
Chapter II - Threats Assessment of the Central African Republic
- Overview
- Borders and Neighbours
- Environmental Threats
- Demographic Stress
- Inter-communal Violence
Chapter III – The CAR Security Sector Reform Coordination Mechanism
- Background on the coordination mechanism
- Current Coordination Mechanisms
- Gap analysis
- Recommendations
- Short-term (Until the elections)
- Medium-term (After the elections)
Chapter IV - Police, Gendarmerie and the Status of Intelligence Services
- The Police and Gendarmerie before the 2013 crisis
- The National Police
- The Gendarmerie
- The Police and Gendarmerie after the 2013 crisis
- Observations and Recommendations
- Short term (Before the elections)
- Long term (After the elections)
Chapter V – The Central African Armed Forces (FACA)
- Background
- The CAR Air Forces and Fluvial Battalion
- Current Status of FACA
- National and International Framework
- Operational challenges
- International community projects related to the army
- Threats to and opportunities for the army
- Recommendations
- Short-term (Before the elections)
- Medium-term (After the elections)
Chapter VI - The Forest Guards and Customs Services
- The CAR Forest Guards
- The Customs Services
- Recommendations
Chapter VII – The Justice and Penitentiary System
- Overall organisation
- The Penitentiary System
- Observations and Recommendations
- Short term (Before the elections)
- Medium term (After the elections)
Chapter VIII - Democratic Control and Non-State Actors
- Overview and arrangements for the transition period
- Civil Society & non-state actors
- Private Security Companies
- Recommendations
- Short-term (Up to the elections)
- Medium and long-term (After the elections)
Chapter IX – The Gender Dimension in the Current Context of the Central African Republic
- The realities and opportunities of gender mainstreaming in CAR
- Gender issues in the armed and security forces
- Recommendations
- Short-term (Up to the elections)
- Medium and long-term (After the elections)
Chapter X - Linking Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration and Security Sector Reform in Central African Republic
- Background and Former DDR assistance
- Background from 2008 to 2013
- Background from 2013 to February 2014
- The importance of coordination at different levels
- Challenges
- Recommendations for the improvement of linkages between DDR and SSR
- Short-term (Up to the elections)
- Medium-term (After the elections)
Bibliography
ANNEX I - Members of the Joint Assessment Mission
ANNEX II - List of People and Organisations consulted
ANNEX III - Table of current support provided by the International Community on SSR related issues
ANNEX IV - Constellations of Stakeholders in the Security Sector of the CAR
Other Documents
Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform - African Union (English)
African Union Framework on Security Sector Reform (English)
Union Africaine Cadre d’orientation sur la Réforme du Secteur de la Sécurité (Fr)
Union Africaine Cadre d’orientation sur la Réforme du Secteur de la Sécurité (2013)