CIAO DATE: 12/2014
November 2014
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Security sector reform (SSR) is increasingly put forward as a solution for a broad spectrum of African states facing security challenges. Yet, for a variety of reasons, there are relatively few examples of successful SSR implementation. The case of Burundi's Security Sector Development (SSD) program, while still a work in progress, is noteworthy for having advanced both security sector effectiveness and democratic accountability since its inception in 2009. In this latest Africa Security Brief, "Lessons from Burundi's Security Sector Reform Process," Nicole Ball examines some of the challenges and accomplishments from the SSD experience thus far. Drawing on her years of practical analysis working with numerous SSR programs, Dr. Ball highlights insights from Burundi's SSD that can inform other African SSR initiatives. Key among these is the importance of navigating the politics of reform.
Resource link: Lessons from Burundi's Security Sector Reform Process [PDF] - 329K