Self-defence groups as a response to crime and conflict in West Africa: Learning from international experiences

By Romain Le Cour Grandmaison, Flore Berger, Kingsley Madueke, Lucia Bird Ruiz Benitez de Lugo and Lyes Tagziria

Self-defence groups have proliferated across West Africa. While these groups are often considered key sources of resilience for local communities, they often pose major political and security concerns. Given their entrenchment in many contexts in the region, this report outlines what lessons can be learned from cross-continental experiences towards building a more effective framework to mitigate the risks and harness the benefits of self-defence groups.

Recommendations l ECOWAS should leverage its role as a regional normsetter by adopting and promoting a regional charter of principles for the regulation of armed self-defence groups. l States should prioritise diagnoses and dialogues to rebuild trust between state, communities and self-defence groups. l There are several key considerations that must be taken into account when states adopt a strategy of absorbing or legalising self-defence groups. l Impunity of self-defence group members must be effectively and publicly challenged, emphasising narratives around accountability, with clear mandates established. l Community and civil society oversight mechanisms for self-defence groups must be strengthened and engaged with by national policymakers. l Clearly defined demobilisation programmes and ‘exit strategies’ must be crafted to ensure long-term sustainable peace.

OCWAR-T::Organised Crime: West African Response to Trafficking. 2024. 28p.