Security in fragile states requires processes of reconciliation and reconstruction

Non-state security actors are growing increasingly important in fragile and conflict-affected states in Africa. This has led to a multiplication of informal security arrangements between security providers, such as vigilantes, local militias, faith-based organisations and private security companies, individual army units, and citizens.

By their very constitution such situations of multi-layered security provision are highly complex and fluctuating. The rise of non-state armed actors in fragile states is in most cases linked to the decreasing legitimacy of the state in large segments of its populations, e.g. due to its inability or unwillingness to provide basic public services to its citizenry, the brutal behaviour of its security forces or its politics of exclusion.

Constructive engagement in such contexts by partner states requires a sound analysis of the current situation, and thorough understanding of the underlying causes of the rise of non-state security actors. Moreover, it should be acknowledged that multi-layered security is a reality to be reckoned with, and that security provision is part and parcel of the political processes and power struggles taking place in various contexts. Understanding this multi-layered security reality is key for assessing possibilities and challenges for international support.

The report recommends that contributing to the stabilisation of fragile or conflict-affected states should go beyond capacity building, especially if this is done by strengthening the capacities of armed forces with limited legitimacy. Crucial to the stabilisation of fragile states is the linking of security goals with domestic political processes of local reconciliation, inclusion and reconstruction.

Dans le menu à droite vous pouvez télécharcher une versionfrançaise du cas d’étude sur le Mali, qui fait partie du rapport.

Ganda izo: the Fulbe Self-defense group in northern Mali

In 2012, a rebellion in the North of Mali created a situation of complete insecturity. The Malian state fled the region and the people were left to their own devices. As a reaction ethnically organised groups of self-defense were created.

This video lets two of the leaders of Ganda Izo militia talk about the insecurity which led them to organise themselves to defend their people.