AU and Partners end Joint Security Sector Assessment Mission to Madagascar

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 16, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union (AU)-led Joint Security Sector Assessment Mission (JAM) to Madagascar that started on 4 October ended on 12 October 2014. The mission, which was conducted in response to a request of the Malagasy Government, comprised representatives of the AU, the United Nations, the European Union (EU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). The mission was led by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission in Madagascar, Hawa Ahmed Youssouf.

The purpose of the mission was to identify the key requirements for reforming the security sector in Madagascar. In particular, the mission aimed to support the Government's efforts and to facilitate coordination among all stakeholders in building the capacity of Malagasy security institutions, as well as improving their accountability, efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness to democratic control, so that they can better meet the national security and justice needs and Madagascar's regional and international security obligations.

The mission consulted with national authorities, including the Prime Minister, the Ministers of National Defence, Justice, Interior and Decentralization, Public Security, Environment, and Strategic Resources, as well as the Deputy Minister in charge of the Gendarmerie. The mission also met with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Defence and Security Committees of the Assembly, the representatives of the Army, the Gendarmerie and the Police, as well as the Commander of the National Military Academy. The mission also met members of the civil society, including the media. On 8 October, the delegation briefed the International Support Group for Madagascar (ISG-M). Furthermore, the mission met with the Head of the EU Delegation in Madagascar, as well as with the UNDP Resident Representative. On 10 October, the mission conducted a one-day consultative workshop with national security sector stakeholders. The workshop was opened by the Malagasy Prime Minister, Dr. Kolo Roger.

The AU is now leading the process of preparing a joint mission report, which will be shared with the Malagasy Government, so as to facilitate the adoption of the most urgent measures and the mobilisation of international support. The AU and its partners remain committed to working with the Government and people of Madagascar and the international community at large, in support of security sector reform in Madagascar as one of the key components for promoting sustainable peace and development in the country.