The core focus of the Security Institutions Unit (SIU)—established in October 2010—is to provide strategic and operational support to the Central African Government in implementing its Security Sector Reform (SSR), the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process, and the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
Through pragmatic strategic thinking, training plans, and joint activities, the SIU aims to build the capacity of national security institutions, stimulate coordination, and encourage implementation of the strategic framework for peace consolidation.
Its mandate is carried out in strict adherence to national ownership, following the priority areas set by the Government, to reinforce its role as the sole legitimate provider of security on national territory.
Activities:
- Develop a comprehensive, holistic national SSR strategy by integrating various sector-specific strategies for the medium term (2012–2015);
- Continue and complete short-term SSR-related activities;
- Provide strategic and operational support to the ongoing DDR process (based on the June 2008 Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement);
- Strengthen the National Mediation Council by providing expertise, participating in ceasefire negotiations, and joining joint verification missions;
- Support oversight of construction of military and security infrastructure by serving on the Steering Committee and taking part in evaluation missions;
- Collect, exchange, and analyze security information relevant to government operations;
- Promote national and international mobilization against the LRA, including through physical presence in Obo and the creation of an international working group in Bangui.
2012 Priorities:
- Support finalization of sectoral SSR strategies for integration into one national strategy;
- Within budget limits, support training programs for quick impact;
- Assist the National Reintegration Coordination in implementing reintegration in the northwest and planning next DDR stages there;
- Facilitate completion of infrastructure for security actors;
- Launch joint projects with national partners to strengthen the Army-Nation relationship and restore public trust in security institutions.