DCAF in partnership with the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) organised a first meeting of the Private Security Governance Observatory network of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Anglophone Africa. Approximately 24 participants, representing CSOs from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya, discussed specific challenges and needs surrounding private security in the region and the potential role of CSOs in providing good private security governance.  Several participants presented experiences from their respective countries and the status of governance structures. DCAF also shared its experiences in private security governance by presenting global challenges and international initiatives such as the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct Association that aim to address this issue. The idea and benefits of setting up a CSO network in order to share experiences, tools and organise capacity building events was presented to the participants.

A report will be developed to capture the observations made during the meeting and the ideas for steps forward to further capitalise on the role of civil society in advancing private security governance.