Summary

• The Horn of Africa region is characterized by an erosion of the monopoly of force of states unable to provide effective security. Non-state actors are increasingly involved in contesting and using means of violence. The proliferation of non-state security providers has become a source of insecurity in the region. Reestablishing a functional monopoly of force by building states’ security capacity is therefore an absolute necessity.
• In addition, legitimizing the monopoly of force is critically needed. Promotion of good governance and democratization will be important to foster long-term peace and security. Partnering with oppressive regimes that advance the West’s short-term interests prolongs insecurity in the region.
• Fostering a legitimate and functional monopoly of force is not, however, going to be an easy task in a region characterized by the absence of viable state institutions, weak economic structures, and the excessive proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The fact that such a process takes a long time should be recognized and short-term strategies need to be devised for specific local realities.