Tag: Security

Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland and Violent Extremism in Burkina Faso

Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland and Violent Extremism in Burkina Faso

Posted by | Jul 18, 2025 |

In response to the security vacuum and the limited effectiveness of military intervention in the fight against violent extremism, Burkina Faso has opted for a strategy based on citizen participation through the creation of Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP). Since 2022, this initiative has become the cornerstone of the national security strategy. This article aims to analyse the need for strategic anticipation in managing the evolving role of the VDP. To this end, a structural constructivist approach was employed to understand the role of VDPs in combating violent extremism. The study is based on qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and documentary research. A total of 59 stakeholders, including representatives from public institutions, media professionals, research institutions, community and religious leaders, teacher-researchers, and a select group of the public, were interviewed. The information gathered was presented in verbatim form and subjected to content analysis. It has become clear that, while VDPs have played a crucial role in strengthening community security and supporting conventional forces, their long-term trajectory remains uncertain. Their growing presence raises essential political and social questions, including the risks of inter-community violence and the erosion of state legitimacy. The article argues that Burkina Faso needs to rethink the future of VDPs as part of a broader strategy of post-violent extremism governance. Drawing on community security models and post-crisis reintegration frameworks, the article emphasises the importance of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR), as well as socio-economic support mechanisms, in the context of reintegration, to prevent long-term instability.

Read More
Navigating Political Fragility: The Challenges of Women Peacebuilders in Militarised Political Contexts in Africa

Navigating Political Fragility: The Challenges of Women Peacebuilders in Militarised Political Contexts in Africa

Posted by | Jul 9, 2025 |

Considering that unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs) border around the human and political security of the continent, a crucial question is, what are the challenges women peacebuilders face following UCGs? Using Chad and Niger as case studies and drawing on feminist theory, this paper examines the challenges women encounter in the execution of their peace work in countries that have experienced UCGs. This work includes mediation, community mobilisation, education, and raising awareness of income-generating activities, amongst others. This paper finds that although women are actively participating in fostering peace at the grassroots level, UCGs make their work more challenging due to rising insecurity, suppression of freedoms, and exacerbation of systemic gender discrimination. It notes that without a resolution to the broader issue of UCGs, women peacebuilders will find it challenging to participate in peacebuilding in these contexts. Finally, the paper concludes that addressing the challenges women peacebuilders face and adopting a human security approach to UCGs are essential for sustaining women’s contribution to peace and security.

Read More
Presidential Term Limits: A Threat to Peace and Security in Africa

Presidential Term Limits: A Threat to Peace and Security in Africa

Posted by | Apr 5, 2019 |

This article interrogates the recent trend whereby some African leaders resort to constitutional amendments to remove presidential term limits. It seeks to identify the factors that explain why this pattern is gaining ground in a growing number of countries, and analyzes its implications for peace and security in Africa. Attention is paid to two countries: Burundi and Burkina Faso which recently grappled with the issue of term limits with different outcomes. The article holds that the extension of presidential term limits threatens long-term peace and security in Africa. It argues that such political acts encourage unconstitutional changes of government, undermine human security, and weaken democratic institutions—all of which are critical to peace and security.

Read More
L’engagement des états Africains en Matière de Sécurité en Afrique Centrale : Contraintes et enjeux de la coopération UA-CEEAC

L’engagement des états Africains en Matière de Sécurité en Afrique Centrale : Contraintes et enjeux de la coopération UA-CEEAC

Posted by | Apr 2, 2019 |

This article entitled “African states’ engagement in Security in Central Africa: challenges and prospects for cooperation between the AU and ECCAS“ analyses the perception and issues of peace and security dynamics in Central Africa. It also explores the coordination between the AU and ECCAS by questioning its operational efficiency vis-avis the local constraints and crucial challenges in the region. Assuming that States in Central Africa do not offer a shared /relevant vision on issues of peace and security, it is given that the lack of political will mitigates any opportunity of mutual cooperation where Africa can produce its own solutions for its peace and security challenges. Yet, while Eastern and Western African states are highly preoccupied to finding endogenous solutions to security challenges, the Central Africa Region lags behind in mobilizing around common challenges thus the wish for a harmonization/capacity building of already existing institutions. With regards to the knowledge and practice of AfSol, this chapter brings three major contributions that build upon existing achievements: (1) the inventory of endogenous solutions susceptible of capitalizing on the consolidation of peace in Central Africa; (2) incentives for decision makers in Central Africa for a more active engagement for peace and (3) the establishment of a platform of discussion between academic circles, pan-African structures of integration and political decision makers.

Read More