Project description

Title: Strengthening the capacities of police structures in Africa – Central African Republic
Commissioned by: German Federal Foreign Office (AA)
Country: The Central African Republic (CAR)
Lead executing agency: National police force of the Central African Republic
Overall term: 2008 to 2011

Context

Since becoming independent in 1969, the Central African Republic has been marked by the instability of its political institutions. The state’s ability to assert its legitimate authority is limited essentially to the capital, Bangui, and the towns and cities in the south of the country. Administrative, judicial and police institutions are weak and often without representation in the country’s interior, and staff are poorly trained. There was no recruitment to the police force prior to 2009.

The only areas where the security situation in general can be described as satisfactory are Bangui and the south-west. The north in particular has suffered under fighting between government troops and rebels since mid-2006. At present the security situation in Bangui is being maintained mainly by the French troops stationed there.  

Objective

The capacities of the national police force are strengthened and the training environment is improved.

Approach

GIZ is carrying out a programme on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) to strengthen the capacities of police structures in Africa. This programme is active in several African countries, including the Central African Republic. It strengthens police forces and police institutions through measures to provide training, infrastructure and equipment and also develops management capacities.

The performance capacity of the police in the Central African Republic is to be strengthened in close cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission. GIZ’s support concentrates on improving training conditions for the national police. With the help of the project, the police academy in Bangui is being renovated and new buildings added, and basic furniture and equipment is to be provided.

Results achieved so far

The improvements to the police academy buildings have boosted the motivation of both teaching staff and students and offer a better environment for police training. The measures contribute to strengthening the capacities of the police in the Central African Republic.

Providing basic and advanced training for police officers helps to build leadership and management skills within the country’s police force.

This project is a component of the programme

• Strengthening the capacity of police structures in Africa