What is the status of security sector governance in Guinea-Bissau and what reforms are most urgently necessary? This article, published by the Conflict Research Unit at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’, analyses the full spectrum of security sector institutions and actors in Guinea-Bissau. A flagrant disregard for the rule of law on the part of the executive and the security sector continues to lead to abuses. A pressing need for funding has meant that oversight capabilities, unable to leverage prestige, are consistently marginalised.
Aside from poor cooperation and role redundancy, security sector institutions in Guinea-Bissau have engaged in open conflict with each other. A complex rift between the Armed Forces, the Public Order Police and the Judiciary and Judicial Police has its roots in a shortage of funds and staff for each group. The Armed Forces and Public Order Police, being the larger groups, often undertake practical administration of the law, resulting in a record of human rights violations.
This comprehensive overview of the security sector in Guinea-Bissau yields a number of findings about the challenges facing any reform:
- Relevant legislation is often insufficient and unclear, and may not give the National Assembly and judiciary adequate authority to check presidential powers. However, the abuses carried out by the security sector are not primarily a result of these laws.
- Functions designed to oversee the security sector have deficient funding and facilities, holding back technical capacity and the building up of better human and material resources.
- Governance in Guinea-Bissau has proceeded by dictatorial fiat without regard for the rule of law. Orders given to security forces, as well as decisions made by them, do not factor in constitutionality, legality or a need for institutional checks.
- There is evidence of significant fiscal irresponsibility on the part of security forces. For example, allegations have been made that the military made unauthorised withdrawals from the Ministry of Finance. To date, it has been difficult to establish the full veracity of these claims.
Representative of a broader range of failures and ongoing challenges, these findings suggest policy implications for transforming the country’s security sector:
- While the political leadership remains indifferent to proper management and respect for constitutional order, the security sector’s long track record of mismanagement and abuse will continue.
- Without proper funding, the military will continue to operate without strategic planning or general principles, but instead on an ad hoc basis. Regular funding sources are needed to ensure comprehensive responses to security challenges.
- Police forces under the Minister of Internal Administration should engage in primary discussion of strategic goals. At present, these forces are opaque, not accountable to the public and struggling with a two-decade legacy of Soviet patronage.
- Under Guineau-Bissau’s new democratic regime, civil government organs with potential oversight functions should have the opportunity to exercise them. To date, in a situation of military dominance, these bodies have had no opportunity to influence the armed forces or various paramilitary groups.
