Fusing Privatisation of Security with Peace and Security Initiatives

The document examines the rise of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) and the challenges they pose to state monopolies on force. It argues that while PMSCs offer specialized skills and logistical support that could enhance African peacekeeping and Security Sector Reform (SSR), a critical lack of a binding international legal framework leads to accountability gaps and human rights abuses. The author distinguishes PMSCs from mercenaries and advocates for a supportive, non-offensive role for these companies, regulated by international law to prevent impunity.

• There is a significant lack of a comprehensive, legally binding international framework to regulate PMSCs, which creates a 'responsibility gap' where civilian contractors may evade military jurisdiction and criminal prosecution.
• A clear distinction exists between mercenaries and PMSCs; while both provide security for financial gain, 'mercenary' refers to an individual, whereas a PMSC is a corporate entity that recruits individuals.
• African peacekeeping operations suffer from capacity shortfalls and 'donor fatigue,' making the logistical and technical expertise of PMSCs a potential asset for stabilizing the continent.
• PMSCs could specifically benefit Security Sector Reform (SSR) in post-conflict settings by providing non-military support, such as disarmament, demobilization, and the reintegration of former combatants.
• To prevent abuses and maintain legitimacy, PMSCs should be strictly limited to a complementary, logistical support role rather than offensive combat operations.
• The transnational nature of PMSCs, including the use of offshore tax havens for registration, allows companies to evade the restrictive legislation of their home states.

APA

Gichanga, M. (2010). Fusing Privatisation of Security with Peace and Security Initiatives. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper219.pdf

Chicago

Gichanga, Margaret. Fusing Privatisation of Security with Peace and Security Initiatives. Institute for Security Studies, 2010. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper219.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gichanga |first1=Margaret |title=Fusing Privatisation of Security with Peace and Security Initiatives |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=October 2010 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper219.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gichanga2010fusing, author = {Gichanga, Margaret}, title = {{Fusing Privatisation of Security with Peace and Security Initiatives}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2010}, month = oct, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper219.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }