On 15 May, new SIPRI research on peace operations was presented to policymakers in Brussels. The event was well attended by an audience of ambassadors to the Political and Security Committee, who are key to the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy (EU CSDP).
The focus of the event was the presentation of a new SIPRI report, by one of the report’s authors, Dr Jaïr van der Lijn, Director of the SIPRI Peace Operations and Conflict Management Programme. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of three civilian CSDP missions that have a Security Sector Reform (SSR) focused mandate: EUPOL Afghanistan, EUCAP Sahel Mali and EUCAP Sahel Niger.
Members of the European External Action Service provided comments on the report. Commentors included Stefano Tomat, Managing Director for Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability and Civilian Operations Commander; and Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence.
About the report
The EU has deployed a wide variety of civilian missions that have sought to advise, train and build the capacity of internal security sectors in host countries as part of its civilian CSDP. These missions constitute integral parts of broader international programmes of SSR in conflict-affected countries. Their strategic objective is to contribute to the development of a civilian security sector that is efficient and accountable and enjoys the trust of the public.
The report looks at three case studies: EUPOL Afghanistan (2007–2016), EUCAP Sahel Mali (2014–) and EUCAP Sahel Niger (2012–24). All three have engaged in civilian SSR activities amid ongoing armed conflict and have operated in broader national and international counterinsurgency contexts. Each case study reflects on the key research question: ‘What contributions have EU civilian CSDP missions involved in SSR made to durable peace?’
Click here to read the report.
About the SIPRI Peace Operations and Conflict Management Programme
SIPRI’s work within peace operations and conflict management consists of six main pillars: (a) multilateral peace operations data and trends; (b) the future of conflict management and peace operations; (c) gender and peace operations and conflict management; (d) police and security sector reform in conflict management and peace operations; (e) civilian aspects in peace operations; and (f) conflict management, peace operations and human rights.
Click here to read more.