K4D Helpdesk Report

Integrating Militias

24th July 2018
Author: Anna Louise Strachan

The integration of militias into armed forces is often seen as a means of preventing the resumption of conflict in post-conflict settings (Colletta, 2012, p. 48). It has been used as a strategy in a number of countries, with recent examples including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. Key risks associated with militia integration include defection, dissatisfaction among the armed forces, disconnect between militia integration and broader Security Sector Reform (SSR), ethnic divisions and militia fragmentation. Factors increasing the effectiveness of militia integration include accountability, rewards/incentives and timeliness.

Suggested Citation

Strachan, A.L. (2018). Integrating militias. K4D Helpdesk Report. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies

Published

24th July 2018

Location

Continent: Africa

Country: Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan