What is the role of the private security industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa and Uganda? What regulatory frameworks have these countries put in place to control the activities of private security companies (PSCs)? This publication from the Institute for Security Studies presents case studies of the private security industry in the DRC, South Africa and Uganda. It finds that the context in which each country’s private security industry operates is informed largely by the country’s social, economic and political dynamics.
The main advantage of private security in the DRC, South Africa and Uganda is that it is a basis for direct investment. It also provides employment to many Africans and makes citizens feel more secure as a result of its presence. However, it has also resulted in a system of security that benefits only those who can pay for security services. In addition, PSCs employ many ex-military and ex-police personnel, making state security vulnerable, since PSCs may become a force unto themselves if not effectively regulated.
Case studies of the private security industry in the DRC, Uganda and South Africa show that:
- South Africa has the largest private security industry, which is relatively well regulated. Uganda has to a large extent regulated its private security industry, while in the DRC, regulation of PSCs is minimal.
- Demobilisation and reintegration and crime have fuelled the growth of private security in South Africa. Crime has also led to the growth of private security in Uganda. International actors in the DRC have fuelled the growth of private security there.
- The use of firearms by PSCs is allowed in Uganda and to a large extent in South Africa. It is strictly prohibited in the DRC.
- Uganda and the DRC have ratified the Mercenary Convention, but do not have specific legislation on mercenaries. In South Africa, mercenarism is prohibited by legislation from 1998 and 2007.
- In the DRC, there are public and private partnerships between PSCs and the police. In South Africa the state also contracts PSCs to protect its establishments.
Gaps, inconsistencies and areas for improvement in regulation of PSCs in the DRC, South Africa and Uganda include the following:
- In Uganda regulations do not cater for PSCs registered outside Uganda. Registered PSCs do not necessarily carry out the objectives listed in their registration documents. Uganda does not have its own training manual for PSCs.
- Uganda needs to address existing ambiguities by stipulating the rights and powers of PSCs and their employees. The importation of arms needs scrutiny and the classes of guns that PSCs are permitted to use should be broadened.
- In the DRC, the police must focus on providing public rather than private security. Redefining the roles and responsibilities of the private security sector in relation to the public sector should be included in police reform strategies.
- While regulation of PSCs is not a priority in the DRC, it should be taken into account in security sector reform strategies.
- In South Africa, screening of security personnel, improving training curricula and tightening provisions on firearms require more attention.
- South Africa should increase its capacity to monitor PSCs and review its regulatory framework based on lessons learned. It should encourage closer cooperation between PSCs and state security agencies.