The Great Illusion: Security Sector Reform in the Sahel

ABSTRACT

Security sector reform (SSR) is regularly cited by states and regional organisations as crucial for stability in the Sahel. However, these declarations and interventions are not based on deep analysis, and much of the literature focuses overwhelmingly on the role of external actors or technical aspects of SSR. Against this backdrop, three preliminary factors need to be addressed in order to reform the security sectors in Burkina Faso and Mali: abuses and violations by regular armies; state support to non-state armed groups; and the securitisation of the region by external actors. In this context, SSR remains hamstrung and illusory: it is not inclusive, which threatens to undermine its outcome.

KEYWORDS:

• Mali
• Burkina Faso
• Sahel
• SSR
• securitisation

Notes

¹ Interview with Malian researcher, Bamako, 4 December 2019.

² Interview with Malian researcher, Bamako, 28 November 2019.

³ Interview with Malian researcher, Bamako, 4 December 2019.

⁴ Ibid.

⁵ Ibid.

⁶ Interview with Burkinabe NGO, remote, 6 December 2019.

⁷ Interview with Malian researcher, Bamako, 28 November 2019.

⁸ Interview Burkinabe political activist, remote, 26 November 2019.

⁹ Ibid.

¹⁰ Interview with Nigerien journalist, remote, 14 November 2019.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bernardo Venturi

Bernardo Venturi is a Senior Fellow at the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome, Italy.

Nana Toure

Nana Toure is a Consultant (Gender, Governance, Human Rights, Peace and Security) based in Bamako, Mali. Email: [email protected]