Justice, security and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development in Africa

As the African Union (AU) and African states begin planning sustainable development goal (SDG) related programs, an early focus on the intersection between justice, security and development by states and their stakeholders (including technical partners) is important.

The inclusion of justice and security issues in the new global development agenda will influence the practice of security sector reform, particularly in Africa where the AU has long established links between effective SSR and sustainable development. How effectively the indicators for these justice and security goals are articulated and owned, and how successfully the relevant stakeholders interact with this new global development agenda, will be important to future planning and the outcome of not only the SDGs but to security sector reform more generally.

This paper is authored by Louise Edwards, Programme Manager, African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum, and Sean Tait, Executive Director, African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum.