““Enhancing United Nations Support Enhancing United Nations Support for Security Sector Reform in for Security Sector Reform in Africa: Towards an African Africa: Towards an African

Perspective”Perspective”

International Workshop co-hosted by South Africa and the Slovak RepublicInternational Workshop co-hosted by South Africa and the Slovak RepublicCape Town, 7-8 November 2007Cape Town, 7-8 November 2007

Contribution by Shola OmoregieContribution by Shola OmoregieRepresentative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau and Head of the Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau and Head of the

United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS): United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS): also representing the Department of Political Affairs, United Nations also representing the Department of Political Affairs, United Nations

Headquarters, New YorkHeadquarters, New York

““Enhancing UN support for Enhancing UN support for SSR in Guinea-Bissau; SSR in Guinea-Bissau;

UNOGBIS in partnershipUNOGBIS in partnership””

International Workshop co-hosted by South Africa and the Slovak RepublicInternational Workshop co-hosted by South Africa and the Slovak RepublicCape Town, 7-8 November 2007Cape Town, 7-8 November 2007

Contribution by Shola OmoregieContribution by Shola OmoregieRepresentative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau and Head of the Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau and Head of the

United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS): United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS): also representing the Department of Political Affairs, United Nations also representing the Department of Political Affairs, United Nations

Headquarters, New YorkHeadquarters, New York

Since its foundation over 60 years ago, the United Nations Since its foundation over 60 years ago, the United Nations has been dedicated to supporting Member States to has been dedicated to supporting Member States to

maintain international peace and build security and the maintain international peace and build security and the rule of law at national, regional and international levels;rule of law at national, regional and international levels;

Over the past two decades, the Organization has been Over the past two decades, the Organization has been progressively engaged in assisting Member States’ progressively engaged in assisting Member States’ efforts to strengthen and develop national capacities in efforts to strengthen and develop national capacities in this broad area and thereby contribute to the this broad area and thereby contribute to the enhancement of international security; and enhancement of international security; and

5 features define a functioning security sector: a legal 5 features define a functioning security sector: a legal and/or constitutional framework; an institutionalized and/or constitutional framework; an institutionalized system of governance and management; mechanisms for system of governance and management; mechanisms for interaction among security actors; capacities; and a interaction among security actors; capacities; and a culture of service.culture of service.

The recent focus on the UN’s role in security sectorThe recent focus on the UN’s role in security sector

reform (SSR) is shaped by:reform (SSR) is shaped by: the evolution of the UN’s comprehensive approach to the evolution of the UN’s comprehensive approach to

security over the past 15 years; security over the past 15 years; the experience of UN field operations (e.g. the experience of UN field operations (e.g.

UNOBGBIS), particularly in peacekeeping, but also in UNOBGBIS), particularly in peacekeeping, but also in prevention, peacebuilding and long-term development prevention, peacebuilding and long-term development contexts; andcontexts; and

the experience of Member States in national SSR and in the experience of Member States in national SSR and in supporting other States in this area, as well as efforts by supporting other States in this area, as well as efforts by regional and multilateral organizations and other regional and multilateral organizations and other partners (AU, ECOWAS, EU, OAS, NATO, among partners (AU, ECOWAS, EU, OAS, NATO, among others).others).

Background: UNOGBIS Mandate since 2005 – Background: UNOGBIS Mandate since 2005 – Assisting with SSRAssisting with SSR

The 2007 mandate of UNOGBIS includes The 2007 mandate of UNOGBIS includes providing assistance for SSR in Guinea-providing assistance for SSR in Guinea-Bissau, carried out through:Bissau, carried out through:

Good offices role of the RSG; and Good offices role of the RSG; and Programmes and activities of UNOGBIS Programmes and activities of UNOGBIS

Political, Human Rights, Military, Police and Political, Human Rights, Military, Police and Public InformationPublic Information

The UN Security Council first included The UN Security Council first included SSR as a part of UNOGBIS’ mandate in SSR as a part of UNOGBIS’ mandate in 2005. This revised mandate, under 2005. This revised mandate, under Resolution 1580 of 22 December 2004, Resolution 1580 of 22 December 2004, was a proactive response from the Council was a proactive response from the Council in order to address the evolving political in order to address the evolving political exigencies which surfaced towards the exigencies which surfaced towards the end of 2004, particularly the destabilizing end of 2004, particularly the destabilizing effect of the military mutiny of 6 October. effect of the military mutiny of 6 October.

Original intention focused on SSR as an Original intention focused on SSR as an exercise aimed at the military, but concept exercise aimed at the military, but concept expanded to take account of democratic expanded to take account of democratic governance and development. governance and development.

SSR is first and foremost a political SSR is first and foremost a political undertaking, requiring the political will undertaking, requiring the political will and commitment of the Government and and commitment of the Government and institutions involved. institutions involved.

For this reason, political facilitation and support For this reason, political facilitation and support for SSR in Guinea-Bissau became a key priority for SSR in Guinea-Bissau became a key priority in the mandates of UNOGBIS for 2005, 3006 in the mandates of UNOGBIS for 2005, 3006 and currently 2007. and currently 2007.

The overriding priority of SSR in the mandate of The overriding priority of SSR in the mandate of UNOGBIS has become more pronounced in UNOGBIS has become more pronounced in 2007 for two reasons;2007 for two reasons;

1.1. as a consequence of the streamlining of the as a consequence of the streamlining of the Office’s activities for 2007, and partnerships Office’s activities for 2007, and partnerships with national and international actors, and with national and international actors, and

2.2. particularly with the current momentum of focus particularly with the current momentum of focus on SSR at the level of the UN Security Council, on SSR at the level of the UN Security Council, aimed at enhancing United Nations support for aimed at enhancing United Nations support for SSR processes (cf PRST/2007/3).SSR processes (cf PRST/2007/3).

““The Security Council acknowledges that strong The Security Council acknowledges that strong support and assistance of the international support and assistance of the international community are important to building national community are important to building national capacities, thereby reinforcing national capacities, thereby reinforcing national ownership, which is crucial for the sustainability ownership, which is crucial for the sustainability of the whole process. The Security Council also of the whole process. The Security Council also underlines that the United Nations has a crucial underlines that the United Nations has a crucial role to play in promoting comprehensive, role to play in promoting comprehensive, coherent and coordinated international support coherent and coordinated international support to nationally-owned security sector reform to nationally-owned security sector reform programmes, implemented with the consent of programmes, implemented with the consent of the country concerned” (S/PRST/2007/3).the country concerned” (S/PRST/2007/3).

UNOGBIS has been assisting the SSR UNOGBIS has been assisting the SSR process in Guinea-Bissau at three process in Guinea-Bissau at three levels:levels:1.1. Providing linkages, support and Providing linkages, support and

facilitation – SSR International facilitation – SSR International Partners Group on Guinea-BissauPartners Group on Guinea-Bissau

2.2. RSG offices with partners for advocacy RSG offices with partners for advocacy and resource mobilizationand resource mobilization

3.3. Projects with partners to tackle needy Projects with partners to tackle needy areasareas

Encouraging and supporting national Encouraging and supporting national ownership of SSR; moving Guinea-Bissau ownership of SSR; moving Guinea-Bissau from SSR Strategy document to SSR Plan from SSR Strategy document to SSR Plan of Actionof Action Formal engagement by UNOGBIS in the provision of Formal engagement by UNOGBIS in the provision of

support for Guinea-Bissau SSR started in October 2005 support for Guinea-Bissau SSR started in October 2005 UNOGBIS facilitated work of UK SSDATUNOGBIS facilitated work of UK SSDAT to October to October

2006 – 3 missions, consultations and evaluations2006 – 3 missions, consultations and evaluations UNOGBIS follow-up to facilitate work of UK SSDATUNOGBIS follow-up to facilitate work of UK SSDAT UK SSDAT produced GB SSR Strategy DocumentUK SSDAT produced GB SSR Strategy Document

Outline of the SSR Strategy DocumentOutline of the SSR Strategy Document 4 sectors target of SSR:4 sectors target of SSR:

1.1. SecuritySecurity

2.2. DefenceDefence

3.3. JusticeJustice

4.4. VeteransVeterans Annexe 1 of SSR Strategy Document: Annexe 1 of SSR Strategy Document:

3-year Investment Plan for SSR3-year Investment Plan for SSR Annexe 2 of SSR Strategy Document: Annexe 2 of SSR Strategy Document:

Budget of US$184 million for SSRBudget of US$184 million for SSR

Follow-up action on the SSR Follow-up action on the SSR Strategy DocumentStrategy Document

1.1. SSR Strategy Document presented by SSR Strategy Document presented by Government at RT in GenevaGovernment at RT in Geneva

2.2. Progress on SSR Stalled with political Progress on SSR Stalled with political instabilityinstability

3.3. New Government & new impetus by New Government & new impetus by UNOGBIS and partnersUNOGBIS and partners

4.4. New Government established Organizational New Government established Organizational framework of 3 Committeesframework of 3 Committees

5.5. RSG/UNOGBIS role in SSR Steering RSG/UNOGBIS role in SSR Steering CommitteeCommittee

SUMMARY: Guinea-Bissau roadmapSUMMARY: Guinea-Bissau roadmap

of documents to SSR implementationof documents to SSR implementation 3 key documents that inform Guinea-3 key documents that inform Guinea-

Bissau SSR are:Bissau SSR are:

(i) (i) the SSR Strategy Document the SSR Strategy Document of of October 2006 (outlined above), which October 2006 (outlined above), which defines the security and defence defines the security and defence sectors that are the targets of the sectors that are the targets of the reform;reform;

(ii) The (ii) The 2007-2009 Three-Year Investment Plan 2007-2009 Three-Year Investment Plan for SSRfor SSR (October 2006), which enumerates the (October 2006), which enumerates the SSR objectives that needed to be achieved and SSR objectives that needed to be achieved and the programmes or projects that needed to be the programmes or projects that needed to be carried out to achieve the objectives, at an carried out to achieve the objectives, at an estimated budget of US$184.3 million; and estimated budget of US$184.3 million; and

(iii) the (iii) the SSR Plan of ActionSSR Plan of Action for the Restructuring for the Restructuring and Modernization of the Security and Defence and Modernization of the Security and Defence Sector (September 2007), which defines the Sector (September 2007), which defines the calendar programming of the schedule of calendar programming of the schedule of activities to be implemented and has the aim of activities to be implemented and has the aim of operationalizing the Government’s SSR Strategy operationalizing the Government’s SSR Strategy Document of October 2006.Document of October 2006.

Outline of Guinea-Bissau SSR Plan of ActionOutline of Guinea-Bissau SSR Plan of Action

Short-term objectivesShort-term objectives: : Security and defence context for future Security and defence context for future

legislative frameworklegislative framework Improved management of human resourcesImproved management of human resources Organization and good conditions for SSROrganization and good conditions for SSR Regain confidence of populationRegain confidence of population Adequate solution to dilemman of VeteransAdequate solution to dilemman of Veterans Promote national reconciliation Promote national reconciliation

Outline of Guinea-Bissau SSR Plan of ActionOutline of Guinea-Bissau SSR Plan of Action

Medium and long-term objectivesMedium and long-term objectives: : Modernization through legislative frameworkModernization through legislative framework Mobilize human and material resourcesMobilize human and material resources Transform sector into a guarantor of peace and Transform sector into a guarantor of peace and

securitysecurity Tailor size of sector to needs of countryTailor size of sector to needs of country Create conditions for socio-economic Create conditions for socio-economic

developmentdevelopment

Specific objectives: Specific objectives:

Create a new Armed Forces structure in line withCreate a new Armed Forces structure in line with

the economic capacity of the country as follows:the economic capacity of the country as follows:

Army component of Armed Forces – 50% of Army component of Armed Forces – 50% of total strength, i.e. 1720 personnel total strength, i.e. 1720 personnel

Navy component of Armed Forces – 35% of Navy component of Armed Forces – 35% of total strength, i.e. 1204 personneltotal strength, i.e. 1204 personnel

Air Force component of Armed Forces – 15% Air Force component of Armed Forces – 15% of total strength, i.e. 516 personnelof total strength, i.e. 516 personnel

Specific objectives: Specific objectives: Of the above Armed Forces Of the above Armed Forces

components, 30% will be permanent components, 30% will be permanent personnel and the rest 70% will be personnel and the rest 70% will be reservists. Based on the above figures, reservists. Based on the above figures, the restructuring and reduction of the restructuring and reduction of Guinea-Bissau’s Armed Forces Guinea-Bissau’s Armed Forces personnel to a total of 3,440 personnel personnel to a total of 3,440 personnel should take place over a period of 5 should take place over a period of 5 years.years.

Specific objectives:Specific objectives:

Restructure the security forces in order toRestructure the security forces in order to

create an integrated, simple and functionalcreate an integrated, simple and functional

structure as follows:structure as follows: Public Order Police component of security Public Order Police component of security

forces – 38% of total strength, i.e. 1300 forces – 38% of total strength, i.e. 1300 personnelpersonnel

Guinea-Bissau National Guard component – Guinea-Bissau National Guard component – 49% of total strength, i.e. 1700 personnel49% of total strength, i.e. 1700 personnel

Specific objectives:Specific objectives:

State Information Services – 9% of total State Information Services – 9% of total strength, i.e. 300 personnelstrength, i.e. 300 personnel

Judiciary Police (Criminal Investigation) – Judiciary Police (Criminal Investigation) – 4% of total strength, i.e. 150 personnel4% of total strength, i.e. 150 personnel

This new restructuring of the security forces This new restructuring of the security forces is expected to result in the integration into the is expected to result in the integration into the Guinea-Bissau National Guard of the Border Guinea-Bissau National Guard of the Border Guards, Rapid Response Unit, Revenue Unit, Guards, Rapid Response Unit, Revenue Unit, Coast Guards and Forest Guards.Coast Guards and Forest Guards.

Financing for Guinea-Bissau SSR Plan of ActionFinancing for Guinea-Bissau SSR Plan of Action The budget estimate of US$184.3 million is The budget estimate of US$184.3 million is

based on the Government’s Three-Year based on the Government’s Three-Year Investment Plan for SSR - 2007-2009;Investment Plan for SSR - 2007-2009;

Of this amount, US$43.2 million, representing Of this amount, US$43.2 million, representing 23.4% of the total budget, has already been 23.4% of the total budget, has already been pledged; pledged;

the remaining US$141.1 million (76.6%) is the remaining US$141.1 million (76.6%) is expected to be raised through resource-expected to be raised through resource-mobilization from international partners; andmobilization from international partners; and

The Government of Guinea-Bissau is The Government of Guinea-Bissau is expected to contribute US$18.4 million (10%) expected to contribute US$18.4 million (10%) of the total budget.of the total budget.

Institutional framework for Institutional framework for implementation of Guinea-Bissau SSRimplementation of Guinea-Bissau SSR

The Inter-Ministerial Committee, made The Inter-Ministerial Committee, made up of only Government members; andup of only Government members; and

The Steering Committee, made up of The Steering Committee, made up of Government members, representatives Government members, representatives of the Armed Forces, civil society and of the Armed Forces, civil society and other national stakeholders, and other national stakeholders, and international partners; international partners;

The Technical Coordination Committee, The Technical Coordination Committee, made up of representatives of Government made up of representatives of Government ministries and departments, representatives ministries and departments, representatives of the Armed Forces, civil society and other of the Armed Forces, civil society and other national stakeholders, and representatives of national stakeholders, and representatives of international partners;international partners;

SSR Support Office, for providing support SSR Support Office, for providing support for the execution, follow-up and assessment of for the execution, follow-up and assessment of SSR; and SSR; and

SSR Implementation Structure, for SSR Implementation Structure, for implementing the programmes and projects implementing the programmes and projects in the SSR Plan of Action.in the SSR Plan of Action.

Timeframe for implementationTimeframe for implementation The various projects and activities envisaged under The various projects and activities envisaged under

the SSR Plan of Action are expected to run from late the SSR Plan of Action are expected to run from late 2007 until 2009.2007 until 2009.

Projects and activities to be carried include:Projects and activities to be carried include:

the establishment of a legal framework for SSR;the establishment of a legal framework for SSR; the conduct of a census of the Armed Forces and the conduct of a census of the Armed Forces and

Veterans,;Veterans,; Awareness-raising campaigns;Awareness-raising campaigns; DDR;DDR; recruitment of new cadres and training,;recruitment of new cadres and training,;

Projects and activities under SSR (cont.)Projects and activities under SSR (cont.) acquisition of working gear, office acquisition of working gear, office

equipment and laboratory equipment;equipment and laboratory equipment; construction of training academies construction of training academies

barracks; and barracks; and tribunals and prisons;tribunals and prisons; These projects and activities are for the These projects and activities are for the

benefit of the four sectors envisaged in benefit of the four sectors envisaged in the SSR Plan of Action (Security, the SSR Plan of Action (Security, Defence, Justice and Veterans)Defence, Justice and Veterans)

Endorsement of support by UNOGBIS to Guinea-BissauEndorsement of support by UNOGBIS to Guinea-BissauSSRSSR Secretary-General’s Report on Guinea-Bissau of July Secretary-General’s Report on Guinea-Bissau of July

2007 (S/2007/401)2007 (S/2007/401) Secretary-General’s Report on Guinea-Bissau of Secretary-General’s Report on Guinea-Bissau of

September 2007 (S/2007/576)September 2007 (S/2007/576) UN Security Council members concluded that the UN Security Council members concluded that the

lack of SSR was the Achilles heel of the Government lack of SSR was the Achilles heel of the Government of Guinea-Bissau;of Guinea-Bissau;

Council members recommended an intensification of Council members recommended an intensification of UNOGBIS and partner efforts and assistance for UNOGBIS and partner efforts and assistance for SSR, which it welcomed as the long-term framework SSR, which it welcomed as the long-term framework for combating drug trafficking and organized crime for combating drug trafficking and organized crime in Guinea-Bissau.in Guinea-Bissau.

UN Security Council Presidential Statement of 19UN Security Council Presidential Statement of 19 October 2007 (S/PRST/2007/38):October 2007 (S/PRST/2007/38): The Security Council expressed grave The Security Council expressed grave

concern about concern about drug trafficking and threat to political drug trafficking and threat to political

stability;stability; the safety of public officials involved in the safety of public officials involved in

combat against drug trafficking;combat against drug trafficking; welcomed the holding of the Lisbon welcomed the holding of the Lisbon

international conference and the ECOWAS international conference and the ECOWAS regional conference on drug trafficking; andregional conference on drug trafficking; and

reiterated assistance for and encouragement reiterated assistance for and encouragement from UNOGBIS and partners for the from UNOGBIS and partners for the Government to pursue SSR.Government to pursue SSR.

BEST PRACTICES IN SSR – Involvement of UNOGBISBEST PRACTICES IN SSR – Involvement of UNOGBISand partners for an enhancement of UN supportand partners for an enhancement of UN support Best practices in SSR by UNOGBIS and partners is Best practices in SSR by UNOGBIS and partners is

characterized by a step-by-step, sector-by-sector characterized by a step-by-step, sector-by-sector approach that will constitute the groundwork for a approach that will constitute the groundwork for a fuller implementation of SSR.fuller implementation of SSR.

SSR is a costly, time-consuming and long-standing SSR is a costly, time-consuming and long-standing process that cannot be carried out in one giant process that cannot be carried out in one giant operation. operation.

UNOGBIS and partners recognize that enhancing UNOGBIS and partners recognize that enhancing support for SSR would have to be by means of setting support for SSR would have to be by means of setting examples and carrying out small, quick-impact examples and carrying out small, quick-impact projects that will serve to illustrate the value of SSR projects that will serve to illustrate the value of SSR and the benefits that can be obtained.and the benefits that can be obtained.

Brazil training projectBrazil training project A product of the good offices role of the RSG in A product of the good offices role of the RSG in

partnership with ECOWAS;partnership with ECOWAS; Has the support of President Vieira; Has the support of President Vieira; Conceived essentially as a project to pave the way for Conceived essentially as a project to pave the way for

a future SSR in the Armed Forces; a future SSR in the Armed Forces; Aimed at improving skills training in Brazil for Aimed at improving skills training in Brazil for

excess senior officers of the Armed Forces;excess senior officers of the Armed Forces; Designed to provide a productive post-military life to Designed to provide a productive post-military life to

selected generals of Guinea-Bissau Armed Forces selected generals of Guinea-Bissau Armed Forces who would otherwise not see the reason for going into who would otherwise not see the reason for going into a difficult retirement; anda difficult retirement; and

The project will be implemented as a partnership The project will be implemented as a partnership between ECOWAS, UNOGBIS and UNDP, with a between ECOWAS, UNOGBIS and UNDP, with a financing package of US$2 million, facilitated by financing package of US$2 million, facilitated by President Obasanjo, through ECOWAS.President Obasanjo, through ECOWAS.

UNODC Drug Control Officer / Law Enforcement OfficerUNODC Drug Control Officer / Law Enforcement Officerprojectproject Arrangements being finalized between UNODC, Arrangements being finalized between UNODC,

UNDP and UNOGBIS;UNDP and UNOGBIS; Officer to be placed in Bissau to, to provide support Officer to be placed in Bissau to, to provide support

to law-enforcement institutions;to law-enforcement institutions; Funded initially by UNODC, Officer would start duty Funded initially by UNODC, Officer would start duty

in early November, for an initial period of two in early November, for an initial period of two months until early January 2008,months until early January 2008,

Following this, a UNODC Senior Law Enforcement Following this, a UNODC Senior Law Enforcement Advisor would be recruited for a longer term; andAdvisor would be recruited for a longer term; and

UNODC Drug Control Officer is expected to work UNODC Drug Control Officer is expected to work closely with UNOGBIS Police Unit and UNDP, and closely with UNOGBIS Police Unit and UNDP, and will report to UNOGBIS.will report to UNOGBIS.

Conferences on Drug trafficking Conferences on Drug trafficking

UN Security Council has endorsedUN Security Council has endorsed(1)(1) Guinea-Bissau and Portugal’s plan to organize an international Guinea-Bissau and Portugal’s plan to organize an international

conference on drug trafficking in Lisbon in December (cf. conference on drug trafficking in Lisbon in December (cf. Guinea-Bissau Emergency Plan / MOU between both Guinea-Bissau Emergency Plan / MOU between both

(2)(2) ECOWAS regional conference in February 2008 (in West ECOWAS regional conference in February 2008 (in West Africa)Africa)

Objective: Plan of Action for resource-mobilization and the Objective: Plan of Action for resource-mobilization and the combat against drug trafficking not only in Guinea-Bissau but combat against drug trafficking not only in Guinea-Bissau but also in the sub-region;also in the sub-region;

RSG has been requested by the Secretary of State for Foreign RSG has been requested by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal to serve as link and Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal to serve as link and facilitator between the Lisbon international conference and the facilitator between the Lisbon international conference and the ECOWAS regional conference; andECOWAS regional conference; and

UNOGBIS is liaising with UNODC, who have agreed to provide UNOGBIS is liaising with UNODC, who have agreed to provide a costing plan for the Lisbon conference, and is currently a costing plan for the Lisbon conference, and is currently facilitating preparations for the conference through the facilitating preparations for the conference through the organizing of meetings of international partners in Guinea-organizing of meetings of international partners in Guinea-Bissau.Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau’s application to be on agenda of the Guinea-Bissau’s application to be on agenda of the Peacebuilding CommissionPeacebuilding Commission Through the good offices of the RSG, UNOGBIS, Through the good offices of the RSG, UNOGBIS,

UNDP and partners facilitated arrangements for the UNDP and partners facilitated arrangements for the Government’s application to be placed on the agenda Government’s application to be placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, and have of the Peacebuilding Commission, and have continued to mobilize international support for this continued to mobilize international support for this application.application.

In its Presidential Statement of 19 October, the In its Presidential Statement of 19 October, the Security Council expressed its will to consider Security Council expressed its will to consider Guinea-Bissau’s application. Guinea-Bissau’s application.

If Guinea-Bissau is placed on the agenda of the If Guinea-Bissau is placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, this will enhance a Peacebuilding Commission, this will enhance a coordinated United Nations Support for SSR coordinated United Nations Support for SSR activities. activities.

Small Arms and Light WeaponsSmall Arms and Light Weapons Taking account of the background of the weapons used during Taking account of the background of the weapons used during

the liberation war and subsequent civil conflicts, SALW are the liberation war and subsequent civil conflicts, SALW are unfortunately, still in circulation;unfortunately, still in circulation;

Combat against proliferation of SALW requires an approach Combat against proliferation of SALW requires an approach within the wider framework of SSR;within the wider framework of SSR;

UNOGBIS continues to play the role of facilitator and continues UNOGBIS continues to play the role of facilitator and continues to engage international partners in resource-mobilization;to engage international partners in resource-mobilization;

In 2005 UNOGBIS facilitated the activities in Guinea-Bissau of In 2005 UNOGBIS facilitated the activities in Guinea-Bissau of a team from the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs a team from the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA);(UNODA);

UNODA undertook a survey on SALW in Guinea-Bissau, UNODA undertook a survey on SALW in Guinea-Bissau, identified the main sources of the weapons and prepared a identified the main sources of the weapons and prepared a project document, with a number of recommendations, project document, with a number of recommendations, including the setting up of the National Commission against the including the setting up of the National Commission against the Proliferation of SALW. The National Commission was Proliferation of SALW. The National Commission was established in 2006 and launched in March 2007.established in 2006 and launched in March 2007.

SALW continuedSALW continued Progress stalled from March 2007 (change of Government)Progress stalled from March 2007 (change of Government) From 14-18 May, UNOGBIS facilitated a second visit to From 14-18 May, UNOGBIS facilitated a second visit to

Guinea-Bissau by UNODA and DESA, UNODC and ECOSAP;Guinea-Bissau by UNODA and DESA, UNODC and ECOSAP; UNODA prepared a new project document with UNODA prepared a new project document with

recommendations for implementing SALW eradication for the recommendations for implementing SALW eradication for the period August 2007 until July 2010.;period August 2007 until July 2010.;

Project will be implemented by DESA and executed by UNODA Project will be implemented by DESA and executed by UNODA in partnership with other UN Departments and Agencies, the in partnership with other UN Departments and Agencies, the Government of Guinea-Bissau, interested donor partners and Government of Guinea-Bissau, interested donor partners and international organizations;international organizations;

The SALW project document also recommended that the UN The SALW project document also recommended that the UN engage international partners in further resource mobilization engage international partners in further resource mobilization for Guinea-Bissau’s combat against SALW; andfor Guinea-Bissau’s combat against SALW; and

A National Commission against the Proliferation of SALW was A National Commission against the Proliferation of SALW was recently sworn in by the Government (3 October).recently sworn in by the Government (3 October).

Enhancing UNOGBIS support for SSR throughEnhancing UNOGBIS support for SSR throughthe programmes and activities of UNOGBIS the programmes and activities of UNOGBIS military and Police Unitsmilitary and Police Units Working in partnerships to support the security and Working in partnerships to support the security and

defence forces of Guinea-Bissau has been central to defence forces of Guinea-Bissau has been central to the activities of UNOGBIS Military and Police Units the activities of UNOGBIS Military and Police Units in 2007;in 2007;

Mindful that the process of SSR has to be nationally-Mindful that the process of SSR has to be nationally-owned, to include of key sectors and be well owned, to include of key sectors and be well presented to key national stakeholders such as the presented to key national stakeholders such as the Armed Forces and the Police forces, UNOGBIS Armed Forces and the Police forces, UNOGBIS Military and Police Advisors have provided support Military and Police Advisors have provided support through training programmes, workshops and through training programmes, workshops and induction seminars over the period through 2007.induction seminars over the period through 2007.

Such activities have included the following: Such activities have included the following: Meeting on disarmament in May; Meeting on disarmament in May; 4 workshops in August on Security Sector Reform for 120 national 4 workshops in August on Security Sector Reform for 120 national

stakeholders (30 Public Order Police under Ministry of Interior, 30 stakeholders (30 Public Order Police under Ministry of Interior, 30 Judiciary Police from Ministry of Justice, 30 Armed Forces personnel Judiciary Police from Ministry of Justice, 30 Armed Forces personnel and 30 Veterans);and 30 Veterans);

a workshop in September for the 20 members of the National a workshop in September for the 20 members of the National Commission on SALW;Commission on SALW;

5 workshops through February to August, in various regions of 5 workshops through February to August, in various regions of Guinea-Bissau, involving for police and security forces on the use of Guinea-Bissau, involving for police and security forces on the use of firearms, rule of law, human rights ethics and a best practices code of firearms, rule of law, human rights ethics and a best practices code of conduct; conduct;

a training seminar in October for 26 personnel of Guinea-Bissau a training seminar in October for 26 personnel of Guinea-Bissau Armed Forces on awareness-raising regarding peacekeeping operations Armed Forces on awareness-raising regarding peacekeeping operations in general and their relevance in the context of ongoing preparations to in general and their relevance in the context of ongoing preparations to establish a battalion of Armed Forces personnel as Guinea-Bissau’s establish a battalion of Armed Forces personnel as Guinea-Bissau’s contribution to a future ECOWAS Standby Force.contribution to a future ECOWAS Standby Force.

It is important to emphasize that UNOGBIS has engaged in It is important to emphasize that UNOGBIS has engaged in partnerships for the above activities, for example, the training seminar partnerships for the above activities, for example, the training seminar on the ECOWAS Standby force was organized with input also from on the ECOWAS Standby force was organized with input also from ECOWAS and Portugal military attachés in Guinea-Bissau.ECOWAS and Portugal military attachés in Guinea-Bissau.

CHALLENGES FACING SSR IN GUINEA-BISSAUCHALLENGES FACING SSR IN GUINEA-BISSAU The historical challenge – the overriding role of Guinea-Bissau The historical challenge – the overriding role of Guinea-Bissau

Armed ForcesArmed Forces A challenge facing SSR remains a restructuring of Armed A challenge facing SSR remains a restructuring of Armed

Forces, considered vital not only for political stabilization but Forces, considered vital not only for political stabilization but also for overall peace and security in Guinea-Bissau. The also for overall peace and security in Guinea-Bissau. The political history of the country has been dominated by the political history of the country has been dominated by the military apparatus, with two coups d’etat, a military mutiny military apparatus, with two coups d’etat, a military mutiny and similar upheavals. The involvement of the armed forces in and similar upheavals. The involvement of the armed forces in politics in Guinea-Bissau is a direct result of their own nature – politics in Guinea-Bissau is a direct result of their own nature – being an intrinsic element of the peoples and the national unity being an intrinsic element of the peoples and the national unity movement organized to fight the liberation war. The PAIGC, movement organized to fight the liberation war. The PAIGC, which led the liberation war, metamorphosed into a political which led the liberation war, metamorphosed into a political party after independence, but kept its military origins and party after independence, but kept its military origins and structures. Though over the years it has sought to divest itself of structures. Though over the years it has sought to divest itself of this character, the military has never been effectively this character, the military has never been effectively subordinate to the political class, the majority of who, in any subordinate to the political class, the majority of who, in any event, originate from or have direct connections with the event, originate from or have direct connections with the military hierarchy.military hierarchy.

The present Armed Forces is composed of The present Armed Forces is composed of veterans and freedom fighters from the veterans and freedom fighters from the liberation era, as well as regular recruits who liberation era, as well as regular recruits who joined after independence in 1974. Account joined after independence in 1974. Account must also be taken of militias and other must also be taken of militias and other paramilitary elements. If no reforms are paramilitary elements. If no reforms are undertaken, for example within the military, undertaken, for example within the military, it will be difficult to eradicate the culture by it will be difficult to eradicate the culture by which a military career is still being perceived which a military career is still being perceived as a birthright to participation in politics. All as a birthright to participation in politics. All of these components have to be trained to of these components have to be trained to accept that there is a life after military service accept that there is a life after military service or a life outside of military or politics.or a life outside of military or politics.

The Veterans questionThe Veterans question Veterans of the liberation war for independence, Veterans of the liberation war for independence,

as well as the veterans of the Portuguese as well as the veterans of the Portuguese colonial army. colonial army.

Agreement has been difficult to reach between Agreement has been difficult to reach between the national stakeholders on issues related to a the national stakeholders on issues related to a census exercise, entitlements, pensions and census exercise, entitlements, pensions and social re-integration. social re-integration.

The dilemma of the veterans is also being The dilemma of the veterans is also being politicized.politicized.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, it If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, it could delay certain aspects of SSR could delay certain aspects of SSR implementation.implementation.

The question of a census of the Armed Forces – The question of a census of the Armed Forces – precondition for international financial engagementprecondition for international financial engagement The main issue raised by the international partners The main issue raised by the international partners

of the Steering Committee during the discussions of the Steering Committee during the discussions with Government counterparts was the census of with Government counterparts was the census of military, paramilitary, veterans and police forces in military, paramilitary, veterans and police forces in Guinea-Bissau. The UNDP has agreed to support the Guinea-Bissau. The UNDP has agreed to support the Government financially with the conduct a new Government financially with the conduct a new census of the Armed Forces, following a mismanaged census of the Armed Forces, following a mismanaged census exercise in 2006. The overall objective of this census exercise in 2006. The overall objective of this new census is to determine the number and status of new census is to determine the number and status of current active Armed Forces personnel, with the current active Armed Forces personnel, with the purpose of creating adequate conditions for SSR purpose of creating adequate conditions for SSR including but not limited to elements such as DDR, including but not limited to elements such as DDR, pension reform and Armed Forces restructuring.pension reform and Armed Forces restructuring.

A successful conduct of the census is also expected to A successful conduct of the census is also expected to pave the way for financial support from international pave the way for financial support from international partners. The census is expected to determine and partners. The census is expected to determine and confirm the number of Armed Forces personnel in confirm the number of Armed Forces personnel in active service and put in place an electronic active service and put in place an electronic management database with verified and updated management database with verified and updated human resources information for all Armed Forces human resources information for all Armed Forces personnel so that ID cards could be issued. A personnel so that ID cards could be issued. A technical committee, made up of an international technical committee, made up of an international technical expert and national personnel from all technical expert and national personnel from all relevant national structures will be set up to perform relevant national structures will be set up to perform the census, such as verifying all personnel records the census, such as verifying all personnel records and determine their status. The work of the census and determine their status. The work of the census technical committee will be reviewed and overseen by technical committee will be reviewed and overseen by the SSR Steering Committee, of which the SSR Steering Committee, of which RSG/UNOGBIS is a member.RSG/UNOGBIS is a member.

Political challenge – political will and commitmentPolitical challenge – political will and commitment A sustainable process of SSR in Guinea-Bissau will depend on A sustainable process of SSR in Guinea-Bissau will depend on

the political will and commitment from national political the political will and commitment from national political stakeholders to carry out reforms, including in particular a stakeholders to carry out reforms, including in particular a commitment from the Armed Forces establishment to carry out commitment from the Armed Forces establishment to carry out a credible census. A great challenge for UNOGBIS and partners a credible census. A great challenge for UNOGBIS and partners is the need to engage national political stakeholders to is the need to engage national political stakeholders to acknowledge that the construction of enduring institutions of acknowledge that the construction of enduring institutions of security, defence and justice in order to have sustainable peace security, defence and justice in order to have sustainable peace and economic development will not be possible unless they show and economic development will not be possible unless they show the commitment towards SSR and maintain it. Part of the the commitment towards SSR and maintain it. Part of the activities of UNOGBIS consists in workshops and seminars for activities of UNOGBIS consists in workshops and seminars for national stakeholders, organized by the Military and Police national stakeholders, organized by the Military and Police Units, aimed at raising awareness of SSR, its exigencies and Units, aimed at raising awareness of SSR, its exigencies and implications. The RSG has also been actively engaging partners implications. The RSG has also been actively engaging partners in order to keep national stakeholders focused on maintaining in order to keep national stakeholders focused on maintaining commitment to SSR. Current progress has to be maintained in commitment to SSR. Current progress has to be maintained in order for the momentum of commitment to continue.order for the momentum of commitment to continue.

The Challenge of national ownership of SSRThe Challenge of national ownership of SSR SSR in Guinea-Bissau could meet with resistance and fail if it is SSR in Guinea-Bissau could meet with resistance and fail if it is

perceived to be an operation imposed on the national political perceived to be an operation imposed on the national political stakeholders. Sovereignty remains a valued concept in stakeholders. Sovereignty remains a valued concept in international relationship and nation states want to be seen to international relationship and nation states want to be seen to be masters of their own destiny. However, it is difficult for be masters of their own destiny. However, it is difficult for national actors to assume national ownership in a context of national actors to assume national ownership in a context of extreme dependence on external assistance, particularly with extreme dependence on external assistance, particularly with funding for the process. International partners who will provide funding for the process. International partners who will provide financial assistance have to continue working hard to find a financial assistance have to continue working hard to find a balance between letting national stakeholders take major balance between letting national stakeholders take major decisions on SSR issues and imposing conditionalities of decisions on SSR issues and imposing conditionalities of transparency in disbursements or placements of technical transparency in disbursements or placements of technical advisors within Guinea-Bissau’s security and defence apparatus advisors within Guinea-Bissau’s security and defence apparatus for better coordination.for better coordination.

The challenge of policy divergence and The challenge of policy divergence and institutional fragmentation among Guinea-institutional fragmentation among Guinea-Bissau’s external actorsBissau’s external actors A range of national and international actors, A range of national and international actors,

including the United Nations system, is including the United Nations system, is involved in enhancing support for SSR in involved in enhancing support for SSR in Guinea-Bissau. Sometimes, different actors Guinea-Bissau. Sometimes, different actors means conflicting policies and approaches on means conflicting policies and approaches on SSR, including priorities and areas of SSR, including priorities and areas of assistance to Guinea-Bissau. This represents a assistance to Guinea-Bissau. This represents a major challenge to efforts to make progress major challenge to efforts to make progress with SSR.with SSR.

The challenge of resource-mobilizationThe challenge of resource-mobilization Guinea-Bissau has empty State coffers and is unable to confront the Guinea-Bissau has empty State coffers and is unable to confront the

challenge of direct financing capacity for SSR. Comprehensive SSR challenge of direct financing capacity for SSR. Comprehensive SSR requires an extensive outlay of financial and technical resources, in the requires an extensive outlay of financial and technical resources, in the absence of which it is difficult to make the irreversible progress absence of which it is difficult to make the irreversible progress necessary for sustainable peace and economic development. necessary for sustainable peace and economic development. Nevertheless, UNOGBIS and international partners have continued Nevertheless, UNOGBIS and international partners have continued with resource-mobilization efforts. An example was the Geneva Round with resource-mobilization efforts. An example was the Geneva Round Table in November 2006 when the Government’s SSR Strategy Plan Table in November 2006 when the Government’s SSR Strategy Plan was presented to donors for assistance. Unfortunately, actual was presented to donors for assistance. Unfortunately, actual disbursements have not materialized or have fallen short of donor disbursements have not materialized or have fallen short of donor pledges made at the round table. This could mean delays and negative pledges made at the round table. This could mean delays and negative impacts on the programming and implementation of the SSR Plan of impacts on the programming and implementation of the SSR Plan of Action. In addition, resource constraints are affected not by demand Action. In addition, resource constraints are affected not by demand but by supply-driven approaches by donors, which are managed within but by supply-driven approaches by donors, which are managed within tightly controlled budget restrictions, disbursement regulations, strict tightly controlled budget restrictions, disbursement regulations, strict timeframes and administrative overheads. An associated problem is the timeframes and administrative overheads. An associated problem is the perception by international partners that the current budget estimate perception by international partners that the current budget estimate of US$184 million in the Government’s SSR Plan of Action is excessive of US$184 million in the Government’s SSR Plan of Action is excessive and unrealistic, especially if the figures are not broken down into and unrealistic, especially if the figures are not broken down into specifically-costed small projects that could readily be financed on specifically-costed small projects that could readily be financed on time.time.

Fitting Guinea-Bissau SSR in a wider contextFitting Guinea-Bissau SSR in a wider context Designing an integrated African perspective for SSR Designing an integrated African perspective for SSR

is a welcome challenge, and this workshop has is a welcome challenge, and this workshop has provided an appropriate forum for discussion on the provided an appropriate forum for discussion on the matter. SSR in Guinea-Bissau needs to be matter. SSR in Guinea-Bissau needs to be implemented within a framework of sub-regional implemented within a framework of sub-regional cooperation, within ECOWAS. In West Africa, the cooperation, within ECOWAS. In West Africa, the absence of an integrated SSR will not only increase absence of an integrated SSR will not only increase human insecurity but also facilitate cross-border human insecurity but also facilitate cross-border crime, including drug trafficking, illegal trafficking crime, including drug trafficking, illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons, illegal trafficking in in small arms and light weapons, illegal trafficking in humans, illegal immigration and insurgency activity humans, illegal immigration and insurgency activity which could also involve the recruitment of the which could also involve the recruitment of the region’s numerous unemployed and frustrated youth region’s numerous unemployed and frustrated youth populations.populations.

Creating an all-round African perspective for SSR also Creating an all-round African perspective for SSR also demands a regional approach, within the framework demands a regional approach, within the framework of the African Union. The New Partnership for of the African Union. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the emerging Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the emerging architecture of the African Union have clearly architecture of the African Union have clearly indicated that peace and security is a pre-requisite indicated that peace and security is a pre-requisite for development and prosperity generation in Africa. for development and prosperity generation in Africa. Among the priorities in the African Peace and Among the priorities in the African Peace and Security Agenda are those associated with achieving Security Agenda are those associated with achieving security sector transformation and those of security sector transformation and those of strengthening governance. Great progress has been strengthening governance. Great progress has been achieved in Africa on issues and policies of the achieved in Africa on issues and policies of the African Peace and Security Agenda including the African Peace and Security Agenda including the African Common Defence and Security Policy, the African Common Defence and Security Policy, the Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy and the Common African Approach to Small Policy and the Common African Approach to Small Arms and Light Weapons.Arms and Light Weapons.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTIONATTENTION