For many African states, powerful transnational criminal networks constitute a direct threat to the state itself, not only through open confrontation but also by penetrating state institutions through corruption and subverting them from within. With a sharp rise in narcotics and illicit trafficking, countries risk becoming criminalized or captured states. Advanced investigative law enforcement units are needed to stem transnational crime and oversight of government agencies and regulations should be made more rigorous.
Côte d’Ivoire’s security forces tripled in size in the last ten years, an increase which has been accompanied by the growing political influence of uniformed men. Security sector reform will therefore be priority in stabilizing Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic transition. However, efforts must go beyond standard disarmament or reunification objectives and focus on developing, through broad-based consultation, a new security architecture that changes the relationship among politicians, security institutions, and the population. The sustainability and success of any program will be incentivizing willing support from security personnel, many of whom are convinced that they stand to lose from any changes.
Mass killings do not break out unannounced, but rather are preceded by identity-based tensions stoked by political entrepreneurs to rally support for their narrow objectives and designs. The resulting spoils of such incitement can be subverted through sustained and early efforts to manage ethnic relations, protect minority rights, uphold accountable governance, and exercise the responsibility to protect.
Militant and terrorist groups are a prime source of insecurity in West Africa, but the management of natural resources, market for illicit goods, border administration, and other factors drive and shape the sub-region’s threats. To more effectively confront them, governments and civil society within the ECOWAS sub-regional bloc must collaborate to ensure both national ownership and the strengthening of collective security.
Narcotics trafficking in West Africa threatens to destabilize the sub-region by corrupting its courts, barracks and other public offices. The international community can help West Africa through the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Meanwhile, ECOWAS should establish a Forum on West African Drug Trafficking to facilitate information-sharing and intra-regional coordination.
November 30, 2009 – 11:08 am
Fifty military, police, and civilian representatives from African states and organizations reviewed the AU’s peacekeeping mission in Darfur and proposed strategic and operational level recommendations regarding African-led peacekeeping mission structures, planning, operations, and resource allocations. Specific Aims were developed for African states, the AU, regional and international partners.
September 10, 2009 – 12:00 am
Africa’s security challenges are increasingly defined by fragmentation of political authority, mounting political influence of armed sub-state actors, and increased vigilantism. The reliance of non-state combatants on external sources of funding and logistical support, meanwhile, underscores that peace and security on the continent is closely linked to the cooperation of contiguous countries.
