(MENAFNEditorial)
The joint security sector reform (SSR) sensitization of senior officials by the African Union (AU) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) that started on the 21st of September ended in Antananarivo on the 25th of September 2015. The mission was conducted following a request from the Government of the Republic of Madagascar and was in line with the recommendations of the report of the AU-led SSR Joint Assessment Mission conducted by the AU the United Nations European Union Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) African Security Sector Network (ASSN) and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in October 2014.
The purpose of the mission was to sensitise senior officials and civil society on security sector reforms to support the government and society in building the capacities of Malagasy institutions in preparation for a national SSR process. The sensitization mission also aimed to help national authorities and stakeholders to prepare for the national seminar on SSR scheduled to take place in October 2015 and the other national SSR activities that follow.
The sensitization mission was conducted in a number of back to back activities as follows:
(1) A three day sensitization and training workshop for members of the Technical Organizing Committee for SSR (CTO — SSR) that took place at the Hotel Akoa Ivandry from 21 — 23 September 2015. The workshop was officially opened by the Minister of National Defence General RAKOTOZAFY Dominique J.O in the presence of the State Secretary in charge of Gendarmerie Lieutenant-General PAZA Didier Gerard and a senior Representative of the Ministry of Public Security. The African Union was represented by Madam Hawa Ahmed Youssouf Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) to the Republic of Madagascar.
(2) A half day meeting of high-level representatives of Government Departments senior security chiefs Members of Parliament and representatives of civil society organizations.
(3) Separate sensitization sessions for non-state security actors including civil society the media the private sector technical staff from international partners and others.
(4) Individual meetings between members of the joint sensitization team with the Prime Minister H.E RAVELONARIVO Jean the State Secretary in charge of Gendarmerie the Minister of National Defence and officials from the Ministry of Public Security.
(5) A high level debriefing session organised by the AU SRCC for the International Support Group for Madagascar (GISM) to discuss the SSR process in Madagascar and to appeal for the support of other members of the international community.
The AU salutes the decision of and will of the Government of the Republic of Madagascar towards an effective and accountable security sector which is one of the conditions necessary for sustainable development. The AU is now leading the process of preparing a joint mission report that will be shared with the Government of the Republic of Madagascar and with various partners for their support. The AU remains committed to work with other members of the international community to support security sector reform as one of the key components for building sustainable peace and development in the Republic of Madagascar.
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