Governments’ decisions to arm their civilians in response security threats are nothing new despite well-known potential downsides. Perceived short-term gains frequently override mid- or longer-term potential risks. Prominent examples include Freetown and Khartoum arming Kamajors and Janjaweed in the 1990s and 2000s, respectively. What is new and worrying is the increasing number of countries engaging in this practice, including Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, and the growing number of civilian groups. In addition, the more sophisticated weaponry being provided poses questions about what oversight measures that do exist to help ensure that weaponry provided by third actors – including the EU – is not misused or misappropriated? What can the EU do to assess risks of diversion and help recipient improve oversight and accountability?

This seminar gathers experts and practitioners to discuss the implications about this phenomena in search of best practices.

Speakers:

• Eric C. Berman, Director, Safeguarding Security Sector Stockpiles (S4) Initiative
• Stans Mouaha Bell, Military and Strategic Advisor, Embassy of Cameroon to Belgium
• Michal Karczmarz, Head of Sector, Compliance, Safeguards and Monitoring, European Peace Facility

• Moderator: Prof. Dr. Nina Wilén, Director Africa Program, Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations

(Photo credit: Canva Teams)