A bridge too far? Considering security sector reform in Africa

This paper provides an analysis of and insight into conceptual and practical challenges that affect the conceptualisation and implementation of SSR

Security sector reform has become an accepted part of the international peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction agenda. It is posited as a crucial aspect in the creation of an enabling environment for development and stability.

Experience with the implementation of security sector reform programmes has been varied. It is increasingly being argued that current approaches to reform are unable to translate ambitious reform principles into a practical agenda that results in improved security and justice service delivery. This paper seeks to provide a brief analysis of and insight into conceptual and practical challenges that affect the conceptualisation and implementation of security sector reform programmes in Africa.

About the author

Lauren Hutton is a researcher with the Security Sector Governance Programme of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). She joined the ISS in February 2007 and has been focusing on issues of security and justice service delivery for the past three years. Her research areas of interest include security sector reform in Africa, gender and security sector reform, and the democratic control of the intelligence sector.