斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-A-fresh-perspective-on-security-concerns-among-Malian-civil-society_14页_550kb

Summary of "A Fresh Perspective on Security Concerns Among Malian Civil Society"

Core Content

This document presents the findings of a research project conducted by SIPRI and CONASCIPAL, focusing on the perceptions of insecurity among 105 Malian civil society actors. The study, based on questionnaires and focus groups, explores how civil society defines security and evaluates the effectiveness of current security and development interventions in Mali.

Main Points

• Security and Development Link: The idea that security and development are interdependent is widely accepted in Mali. However, despite significant investments in security, long-term stability has not been achieved, indicating a need for more integrated strategies.

• Drivers of Insecurity: Respondents identified a range of factors contributing to insecurity, including physical violence, unemployment, poverty, lack of access to basic services, and political instability. These issues were perceived as more pressing in the North and Central zones than in the South.

• Regional Differences: There are distinct regional perceptions of insecurity. The North and Central zones prioritize immediate threats like armed groups and community conflict, while the South focuses more on developmental needs such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

• Gender Differences: Women and men have different views on security. Women are more likely to feel insecure in their daily lives and within their communities, and they perceive a greater risk of violence based on community affiliation. Men, particularly in the North, tend to focus on broader security concerns and movement restrictions.

• Security Actors: Civil society actors generally view international security forces (MINUSMA, Operation Barkhane) positively, especially in terms of their contribution to peace and the provision of services. However, there is less confidence in national institutions, with the South showing the highest trust and the North the lowest.

• Civil Society's Role: There is strong support for the involvement of civil society in security and peacebuilding. Civil society is seen as a key player in delivering services and influencing local security policies, especially in areas where state capacity is limited.

• Informal Security Actors: Many communities rely on informal security actors such as self-defense groups and vigilance committees. This has implications for security sector reform and the integration of these actors into formal structures.

• Need for a Developmental Approach: The study calls for a shift from purely security-focused strategies to a more developmental approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to services.

Key Information

• The research involved 35 Monitoring Groups for Peace and Security (MGPS) across 9 out of 10 regions in Mali, with a third of the respondents being women.
• The study was based on questionnaires distributed in October 2016 and focus groups organized between December 2016 and February 2017.
• The majority of respondents (92.5%) in the North and 60% in the South perceived a worsening security situation between October 2015 and October 2016.
• In the South, banditry and political instability were seen as less important compared to other regions.
• Confidence in NGOs and civil society was high, particularly in areas with weak state presence.
• There is a call for more inclusive, localized, and development-oriented security policies that take into account the diverse needs and perceptions of the population.

Conclusion

The research underscores the importance of understanding the diverse and localized nature of security concerns in Mali. It highlights the need for a more integrated and inclusive approach that addresses both immediate security threats and underlying development issues. Civil society is seen as a vital partner in this process, and its role in informing and shaping security policies is critical. The findings suggest that a purely security-centric strategy is insufficient, and that a developmental approach is necessary to achieve sustainable peace and stability.