The Challenge of the Security Sector and Security Reform Processes in Democratic Transitions: The Case of Sierra Leone

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The literature on democracy assistance and democratization has tended not to engage with the security sector and the impact of security sector reform (SSR) on democratic transitions in conflict-prone countries. This article seeks to address this gap in knowledge. It does so with reference to a case study of Sierra Leone, which emerged from a civil conflict in 2002 and is now entering the run-up to its second parliamentary and legislative elections in 2007. It is suggested that the security sector in contexts such as Sierra Leone is a continuing risk to democratic reform and democratic transition, specifically given the security sector's past record of politicization, coups, and abuse of civilians. Further to this, incomplete SSR and increasing disaffection in opposition parties and civil society regarding the government is creating a volatile environment where the security sector may once again emerge as a disruptive factor in politics, particularly when the international engagement in Sierra Leone winds down. The article suggests that the literature and policy needs to engage with ways of addressing shortcomings in SSR and to adopt approaches that engage civil society and further civil protection, ameliorate tensions between the army and armed groups, and which ensure that SSR is linked more effectively to justice, reconciliation and democratization initiatives.