The Security Sector Reform (SSR) has been positioned as a priority in Member States emerging from conflicts and those undergoing political transitions. Given the peculiarities and specific requirements of the continent’s security sector, the AU has developed policy frameworks to ensure African ownership of SSR processes as entrenched in the AU’s shared values. The (re)establishment and strengthening of the capacity of security institutions through comprehensive disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants and SSR constitute key priority pillars of the AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development policy.
The AU Policy Framework on SSR endorsed by the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union held in January 2013 provides for a broad strategic response framework ranging from capacity building and strengthening of institutional structures to mobilisation of necessary resources to facilitate SSR processes in Africa.
A set of AU Operational Guidance Notes (OGNs) has been developed to facilitate the implementation of the framework. These are:
- https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/1-conducting-ssr-needs-assessment-missions.pdf
- https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/2-gender-and-ssr.pdf
- https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/3-codes-of-conduct.pdf
- https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/4-hand-book-african-security-sector.pdf
- https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/5-ogn-harmonization-of-national-legislations.pdf
- https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/6-ogn-monitoring-and-evaluation.pdf
7. https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/7-ogn-training-on-ssr.pdf
These OGNs provide practical information to AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs) for Conflict Prevention and Management Resolution and other key stakeholders for the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SSR programmes in Member States. The OGNs contribute to the coordinated approach to strengthening Africa’s capacity to address SSR challenges in AU Member States.
