Designing an Inclusive Strategic Approach for SSR/DDR in Libya

The emergence of unified, civilian-led security institutions in Libya continues to be stifled by serious political and security instability. The insecurity is fueled by the proliferation of non-state armed groups seeking to fill the post-2011 governance vacuum, which has created a complex mosaic of actors and institutions with varying security functions. Effective security sector reform (SSR) and eventual disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of Libya’s armed actors are critical for long-term stability and the development of effective governance institutions. Earlier SSR efforts were fragmented, hampered by political deadlock, the ongoing civil conflict, and the absence of inclusive forums for Libya’s many stakeholders. Both Government actors and citizens require support to develop the resources, skills, and mechanisms to shape the formulation of a strategic, inclusive, and sustainable action plan for future SSR/DDR.

With support from the U.S. Department of State Bureaus of Near Eastern Affairs, Conflict and Stabilization Operations, and Political Military Affairs, Strategic Capacity Group (SCG) will lead a consortium with Danish Demining Group and Clingendael Institute to facilitate Libyan-led security sector planning. The Consortium will work inclusively with local and national stakeholders to design an approach founded on strategic insights drawn from an assessment of previous SSR/DDR efforts and their key lessons, as well as a comprehensive mapping of national, armed group, and local stakeholders to identify linkages, interests, incentives, and capabilities for SSR and DDR planning. Using these insights, and coordinating with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the Consortium will design and build the capacity of these three networks to stimulate the creation of a security planning body(ies). The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan for future SSR/DDR that centralizes security provision under legitimate and accountable civilian oversight.

SCG is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the ability of the United States and its partners to build strategic security sector capacity both at home and abroad. SCG assists donor and recipient governments to assess institutional capacity, identify gaps, develop and implement solutions, and improve the sustainability and impact of reform.  

SCG’s SSR Program aims to build human and institutional capacity for effective and accountable security sector forces and institutions. SCG’s work is conducted through:

• Sharing security sector best practices at national and regional levels and empowering “change agents” at key institutions across governments;

• Assessing security sector capacity, identifying gaps, and developing strategic policy and programmatic recommendations;

• Training and educating donors to design and implement SSR programs and local stakeholders to design, implement, and advocate for reform within their governments; and

• Advising governments and donor organizations to develop and implement SSR programs.