Integrating Militias

Abstract

The integration of militias into armed forces is often seen as a means of preventing the resumption of conflict in post-conflict settings (Colletta, 2012, p. 48). It has been used as a strategy in a number of countries, with recent examples including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. Key risks associated with militia integration include defection, dissatisfaction among the armed forces, disconnect between militia integration and broader Security Sector Reform (SSR), ethnic divisions and militia fragmentation. Factors increasing the effectiveness of militia integration include accountability, rewards/incentives and timeliness.