Africa Center for Strategic Studies

As many African countries continue down the path of democratic reform, Africa's defense and security forces must make fundamental changes to adapt to a democratic model of governance, including adopting higher standards of leadership in order to professionalize security forces. This is a key finding in the Africa Center for Strategic Studies' latest Security Brief, "Democracy and the Chain of Command: A New Governance of Africa's Security Sector," by Brigadier General Dominique Djindjere, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Burkina Faso.

General Djindjere puts forward five priority reforms Africa's defense and security forces must pursue. In addition to building professionalism, he says the legitimacy and trust security forces will gain in the eyes of their compatriots from this process will lead to greater effectiveness and popular support for national security efforts.

The paper points out that Africa is not alone in the problem of continuing influence of security forces on politics around the world and cites crises in Honduras, Turkey, Bangladesh, and other countries. Whereas in the past when Africa’s political crises turned into tragic confrontations, such military actions were often justified as a nation’s sovereign right.

“This chaotic state of affairs,” writes General Djindjere, “is no longer acceptable. Much of Africa is now firmly committed to furthering the standards of democracy and human rights that have advanced over the past two decades.”

The paper highlights that politicians’ adherence to constitutional limits on power will avoid placing military officers in the untenable position of choosing between respecting civilian authority and upholding democracy. In addition, the paper recommends that security cooperation and assistance from international partners should favor African states with a track record of responsible governance within the security sector. [ENGLISH] [FRENCH]

In the last decade, civil-military relations in Africa have reflected the new political frontier taking hold of the continent including democratic governance and the de-legitimization of military interventions and disengagement from politics. Particularly, the role of the military in making democracy an enduring reality on the continent has become the subject of great debate in West Africa. As part of a year-long celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of independence, the Senegalese armed forces organized a conference in Dakar on Nov. 8-11 to examine civil-military relations in West Africa to discuss the linkages with good governance and democratization and the model of the army of the region. More than 200 participants representing the 15 countries of the Economic Community of West Africa States and Mauritania were in attendance. The conference focused on the roles and responsibilities of the armed forces in pursuing and sustaining peace and development in West Africa. Dr. Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ Chair for Civil-Military Relations, one of the presenters at the conference, reviewed the history of civil-military relations in Africa in general and in the region in particular. He noted that democracy, as a concept, has always been indigenous to Africa and that the role of the military in pre-colonial African political culture was confined to security and not governance and politics. Dr. Houngnikpo elaborated that the wave of militarism that swept the region shortly after independence is not congruent with traditional African cultures. He concluded his remarks by presenting effective ways in which countries in the region can enhance civil-military relations and reduce the likelihood of military intrusion into politics. In the end, a selected group of participants, including Dr. Houngnikpo, paid a courtesy call on President Abdoulaye Wade (front row, fourth from right in photo) who expressed his pleasure to have Senegal hosting such an important gathering.

U.S. Army Colonel Gene McConville recently joined the Africa Center for a three-year assignment as Senior Military Advisor, Academic Affairs. Colonel McConville oversees curriculum and program development in the area of International Crisis Response and Management. Prior to joining the Africa Center, Colonel McConville was a Staff Officer, International Security Assistance Force/U.S. Forces Afghanistan. He received his commission through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Armor Corps in 1983. Initial assignments included various command and staff positions with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Colonel McConville has significant experience in Africa having served as the Army Attaché to the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1991-1994. During that assignment, Colonel McConville deployed to Somalia in support of humanitarian relief efforts (Operation Restore Hope) and reported on sectarian violence and the military government. From 1994-1996, Colonel McConville served in South Africa where he helped establish the first post-apartheid security assistance and training program which emphasized Rule of Law, African Peacekeeping/Security, Civil Military Relations, and South African National Defense Force Integration. Colonel McConville also served in the Republic of Indonesia as the Army Attaché. He focused his reporting efforts on the Post-Suharto de-militarization of the Indonesia’s government structure, the emerging terrorist threat in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and insurgent activities within Indonesia. From 2002 until 2010, he was assigned to various operational and diplomatic positions in both the Islamic Republics of Afghanistan and Pakistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel McConville earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He also completed the National Security Manager’s Program sponsored by the Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University. He is proficient in Indonesian/Malay and has basic skills in Persian Farsi. Colonel McConville’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ most recent Topical Outreach Program Series took place in Benin and Nigeria during Oct. 17-21. The first stop was Benin where the topic of elections and security was especially pertinent because the country is preparing for national elections. Some 90 attendees, to include the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, ranking Beninese military, and other Benin Chapter members, attended the one-day symposium on Oct. 20. Mathurin Houngnikpo, PhD, Chair of Civil-Military Relations at the Africa Center, spoke about the challenges that can occur before and after elections. An additional event was held at the Armed Forces Headquarters to discuss some of the practical challenges security officials may face during elections. The Africa Center also hosted a Community Reunion Meeting during the visit. Community Affairs Specialist Ms. Emily Renard managed this TOPS visit. Dr. Houngnikpo stressed that democracy is a debate of ideas, not a physical battle between people. He reinforced the concept of political neutrality and the critical role the armed forces can play in elections by remaining non-partisan. Poverty and corruption are challenges that many countries face. Dr. Houngnikpo encouraged symposium attendees to be creative in how they address these issues and to find solutions that make sense in the Beninese context. Dr. Houngnikpo reminded attendees that peace and stability often do not exist without democracy; and without peace and stability, there cannot be development. The outreach program in Nigeria on Oct. 19, overseen by Community Affairs Specialist Ms. Amanda Balderston, focused on elections and the role that legitimate choice plays in enhancing the prospects for democratization. Presentations were given by Monde Muyangwa, PhD, the Africa Center’s Academic Dean, and Professor Kingsley Macebuh, formerly of the City University of New York and who currently resides in Nigeria. Dr. Muyangwa discussed the case studies of elections in Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe and the lessons learned from those experiences. She noted the lack of implementation of normative standards and an attitude of winner take all. Professor Macebuh’s talk focused on Nigeria as a presidential federal state, noting that is also the model in the U.S. and Argentina. He said that both countries had taken nearly 100 years to become legitimate democracies with credible elections. On a note of optimism, Professor Macebuh said that even though Nigeria is still a young democracy, it is catching up to other older democratic states.

Click here to view photos from this event.

The Africa Center’s Director of Research, Joseph Siegle, PhD, is the co-author of a chapter in the recent publication “Making Decentralization Work: Democracy, Development, and Security,” (London: Lynne Rienner) edited by Ed Connerley, Kent Eaton, and Paul Smoke.

Decentralization is often touted as an essential strategy for fostering stability, accountability and government responsiveness in Africa and throughout the developing world.  But some argue that because decentralization can accentuate ethnic, political and geographic divisions that it can increase the risk of conflict between communities. This cross-national analysis finds a nuanced relationship.

Decentralization that builds on the legitimacy and accountability of local leaders and that invests in the capacity of local government has been less likely to lead to inter-communal conflict. Conversely, decentralization in states with formal federal structures or ambiguous forms of regional autonomy has been more susceptible to inter-group conflict.  Policymakers and practitioners need to take these considerations into account when calling for the devolution of authority.

For further information about this publication

The International Alumni Chapter in Ethiopia, which is affiliated with the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, will host a discussion Nov. 8 about the remaining obstacles to the Sudanese referendum scheduled for Jan. 9, 2011. The Sudanese vote is widely expected to result in splitting the country into two separate political entities.

The discussion will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Invited guest speakers include Principle Arop Deng Koul, Head of Mission, Government of Southern Sudan Liaison Office, as well as Mr. Hsuni Mustafa, 2^nd Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Sudan (representing the north).  In addition, the former-Foreign Minister of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdillahi Mohamed Duale is expected to appear.

The invited guests include representatives of the African Union, European Union Bilateral Delegation, European Union/African Union Delegation, the Arab League, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), U.S. Africa Command, Addis Ababa Military Attaché Association, U.S. AU Embassy in Addis Ababa, U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Community Chapter in Djibouti, Community Chapter in Kenya, and Tunisian Embassy in Addis Ababa.

The discussion of Sudan is part of the Africa Center’s efforts to support United States foreign and security policies by strengthening the strategic capacity of African states to identify and resolve security challenges in ways that promote civil-military cooperation, respect democratic values, and safeguard human rights. The fora also increase awareness of U.S. security policies within Africa and provide African insights to U.S. policymakers.

The Africa Center’s East Africa Regional Office in Addis Ababa is providing administrative support to the Forum. The Regional Office is also working with other local Community Chapters and CJTF HOA on similar events to be held in the near future. The East Africa network includes members from Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Tanzania, EASBRIG, African Standby Force, ISS, IGAD, the African Union, and other nations and organizations.