Security Sector reform in Nepal is crucial to peace negotiations with the rebel CPN (Maoist) but has seldom been raised as an issue outside it. This paper, published by Friends For Peace, explores the difficulties of implementing Security Sector Reform in Nepal, and makes recommendations as to how these can be overcome. It concludes that mapping SSR in Nepal is a delicate and complex issue, and the loyalty of the security sector to democratic government is still under dispute. It recommends that demobilization of the army and guerillas should be accompanied by the provision of economic opportunities to allow them to reintegrate into society.
Security Sector reform (SSR) is defined as a process of making security apparatuses of the state more responsible to citizens and their welfare. The security sector comprises the armed forces, paramilitary, police, intelligence and secret services. The management and oversight agencies under which these operate comprise executive and legislative bodies, judicial and law enforcing agencies, financing and auditing agencies and civil society.
Mapping SSR in Nepal is a delicate and complex issue.
- It is an internally resisted but externally induced subject of inquiry that has raised many eyebrows.
- Domestically, SSR is not confined to the civil-military relations. It has roots in the formation of the Nepalese state, the recruitment pattern of strategic elites, and the process of governance under a monarchical system.
- The loyalty of the security sector to democratic government, particularly that of the Royal Nepal Army, is still under dispute.
Assuming that a negotiated settlement is reached between the government and the Maoists, the latter may lay down their arms.
- Both parties may agree to demobilise. They may also agree to a restructuring of the national armed forces. This should be carried out by forming a joint political and military commission.
- Demobilisation should be accompanied by the provision of economic opportunities to disarmed soldiers and insurgents. The sudden influx of people in the job market should be managed through sustained financial compensation, and occupational training.
- Clarifying the position of monarchy in the country should be a primary objective of SSR because, in the past, the army has been an extended arm of the monarchy.
- Another priority should be the removal of the blanket impunity provided to the security forces under Article 20 of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Control and Punishment) Act (TADA). This will make the security forces aware of their limitations in counter-insurgency operations.
- Government in Nepal should work and function for the people and the state when the country is in crisis. The critical issue of trampling of the constitution and usurpation of the executive power of the state by the king should first be addressed before paying attention to the technicalities through which the SSR can be implemented in Nepal.
