Private sector and security in West Africa

Together with l'Association des Juristes Sénégalaises (AJS), DCAF organized a regional conference on the influence of the private sector on security and the impacts of private surveillance in West Africa. We received over 50 participants from a wide range of organizations, including CSOs, government officials, regulators, members of the private security industry, experts on human rights, coming from many different countries, such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Bénin, Togo and Guinea.

Women’s meaningful participation in security event

In New York, DCAF and the Permanent Missions of Canada and South Africa convened experts and advisors to reaffirm that women’s meaningful participation is vital to peace and security.

Participants discussed how to strengthen women’s influence across security institutions, ensuring not just representation, but real impact on decision-making and reform. When barriers are removed and women serve as equals in peacekeeping, policing, and national defence, inclusive institutions are more trusted, more effective, and better placed to support lasting peace.

Visit of DCAF Deputy Director to Moldova

Our Deputy Director, Béatrice Godefroy, visited DCAF’s country office in Chisinau to learn more about the progress of our project “Strengthening Security Sector Governance in Moldova”. Launched in 2023, this six-year initiative supports all of Moldova’s security institutions to advance stability, the rule of law, and security for the country and its citizens. 

For the visit, the DCAF Chisinau office hosted a special event to celebrate DCAF’s 25th anniversary. Participants raised a toast to 25 more years of meaningful and successful collaboration! 

Workshop on human rights and defence ethics in Kyrgyzstan

DCAF took part in consultations on human rights and ethics in the defence sector in Bishkek, bringing together representatives from key national security institutions and the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture. We explored a range of issues, including ethical leadership, the rights of conscripts, mistreatment and discrimination, challenges linked to emerging technologies, and the impact of nepotism and wartime conditions on ethical conduct. Discussions also touched on freedom of association and the role of military unions.

Parliamentary workshop on security sector governance in Togo

DCAF supported a workshop in Kpalimé to strengthen the National Assembly’s role in security sector governance.

Members of Parliament, institutional representatives, and experts discussed governance principles, assessed parliamentary capacities, and explored ways to reinforce civil oversight. The workshop also addressed Small Arms and Light Weapons ahead of the forthcoming review of the draft law on the arms regime.

The recommendations will guide DCAF’s next steps and support a sustainable partnership with the National Assembly of Togo.