Workshop on the Interface Between Peacekeeping and Security Sector Reform

This report reflects the discussions held in a workshop focusing on the interface between Peace Keeping Operations (PKO) and Security Sector Reform (SSR), with a focus on Africa. The basis of the debate was the complex relationship existing among the two; not surprising given that most SSR in Africa emerged in post-conflict contexts and under the aegis of the UN. Nevertheless, the continuity (or lack thereof) between PKO and SSR has been problematic. The workshop approached the nexus between PKO and SSR from three angles: first, the extent to which the UN and regional organisations were taking on board issues of SSR (or reshaping their approach to SSR) in their peacekeeping missions and peacebuilding activities; second, how SSR decision-making and implementation structures have unfolded in a number of African countries subjected to peacekeeping; and third, and in an exploratory manner, the extent to which SSR in troop contributing countries could improve their capacity to deliver effective peacekeeping. The workshop involved dissemination of findings from an ASSN project on ‘SSR Provisions in Peace Agreements’ and from a SADSEM/Foprisa project on ‘SADC and Peacekeeping’.