奥斯陆和平研究所-非洲国家安全战略发展：起草和协商工具包（英）-2021-59页_661kb

Summary of National Security Strategy Development in Africa: A Toolkit for Consultation and Drafting

Core Content

The National Security Strategy Development (NSSD) Toolkit is a guide designed to assist African countries in creating or revising their national security strategies. It outlines a structured and inclusive approach to NSSD, emphasizing the importance of national consultation, alignment with democratic values, and integration with broader development goals. The toolkit is informed by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies' experience in advising African nations and includes case studies and insights from security sector professionals.

Main Objectives

• To provide a consultative framework for developing a national security strategy.
• To ensure that the strategy reflects national values, priorities, and the needs of all citizens.
• To support effective and accountable security institutions that serve the public good.
• To enhance regional and international cooperation by clearly articulating national security postures and alliances.
• To align security provision with national development goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Aspects of NSS Development

1. Why Develop an NSS?

• Enhances service delivery in the area of national security.
• Increases public confidence in the state and its institutions.
• Provides strategic guidance for the creation of effective, rights-based, and accountable security institutions.
• Ensures cost-effective and sustainable use of national resources.
• Supports foreign investment and international partnerships by aligning security policy with development priorities.

2. NSS Process Matters

• The process of creating an NSS is as important as the final document.
• Inclusive participation by political stakeholders, the public, and security sector actors is crucial for legitimacy and effectiveness.
• The process should be transparent, especially on core values and priorities.
• NSS should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the security environment, typically taking 6–18 months to complete.

3. Values at the Core of NSS

• State and human security (not just security for a specific group or administration).
• A peaceful and defensive stance to signal commitment to regional and international peace.
• Alignment with national development priorities, ensuring security resources are not disproportionately allocated at the expense of other sectors like health and education.

4. NSS is a Practical Tool

• Defines missions and tasking for security institutions.
• Provides a blueprint for budgeting and planning.
• Ensures clear prioritization of security objectives, enabling values-driven resource allocation.
• Supports force planning, reform, and alignment with domestic goals like economic development.

Main Views

• Inclusivity is essential for creating a legitimate and effective NSS.
• Security sector reform and national development are closely linked and must be integrated.
• Public consultation is necessary to ensure that the strategy reflects the needs and values of all citizens.
• Transparency and accountability are critical in security budgeting and decision-making.
• NSS must be adaptable, reflecting the unique national and regional contexts of each country.

Key Information

• Stakeholders involved in NSSD include:

  • Security providers (military, police, intelligence, etc.)
  • Security sector management institutions (ministries of defense, justice, etc.)
  • Independent oversight bodies (anti-corruption commissions, human rights institutions)
  • Government ministries (foreign affairs, education, health, etc.)
  • Parliament (for approval and legitimacy)
  • Civil society (for input and feedback)
  • Media (for public communication and awareness)

• Phases of NSSD:

  1. Initiation and Planning – Establishing a process lead, mapping stakeholders, planning the timeline, and allocating resources.
  2. Pre-Drafting: Assessments, Reviews, and Analysis – Conducting security sector assessments, threat analysis, and stakeholder consultations.
  3. Drafting – Defining security, shared values, and objectives; assigning responsibilities.
  4. Consultation and Revisions – Engaging the public and stakeholders for feedback.
  5. Approval and Adoption – Ensuring parliamentary support and legitimacy.
  6. Dissemination and Communication – Sharing the strategy with relevant actors and the public.
  7. Implementation, Monitoring, and Review – Ensuring the strategy is actionable and reviewed over time.

• Challenges in NSSD:

  • Legacy of abuse and mistrust.
  • Cultures of secrecy.
  • Differences in technical knowledge.
  • Agreeing on a national vision.
  • Balancing secrecy with transparency.
  • Aligning external support with national priorities.

• Conclusion:

  • An NSS is a practical and values-based tool that can help reform the security sector, enhance public safety, and promote national development.
  • Inclusive and transparent processes are necessary to ensure the strategy reflects the will of the people and is legitimate and sustainable.

Final Notes

• The toolkit is not a blueprint but a guidance document that should be adapted to the unique context of each country.
• It draws on African Union (AU) principles and UN Security Sector Reform (SSR) norms.
• The goal is to create a coherent and comprehensive national security strategy that serves the public good and supports national development.