The Center for Inclusive Security
Sector Governance (CISG)

 Advancing inclusive Security Sector Reform and Governance through credible evidence, civilian perspectives, and regional policy insight.

Explore Our Work
Partner With Us

Who We Are

The Center for Inclusive Security Sector Governance (CISG) is an independent, policy-oriented think tank advancing inclusive and accountable security governance in The Gambia and across West Africa. We work across the full security governance ecosystem – state institutions, oversight bodies, civil society, and communities to strengthen how security is designed, governed, delivered, and overseen. CISG was established to address a critical gap in reform efforts: security policies that focus on institutions, while overlooking governance relationships, political incentives, social trust, and inclusion. We reframe security not as a technical sector, but as a public governance system.

What We Do

Turning Security Reform Into Real Governance Outcomes

Research & Evidence
Policy Engagement

Convening & Dialogue
Training & Capacity Development

What Makes Us Different

A Distinct Approach to Security Governance

Governance-First Approach
Inclusion as Core Function
Evidence → Policy → Practice
Locally Grounded, Regionally Connected
Trusted Neutral Convener

Six Thematic Pillars

Our work is structured around key governance dimensions that shape security outcomes.

Democratic & Inclusive Security Governance

Community Trust & Civic Oversight

Gender & Security

Political Economy of Security Governance

Regional & Comparative Security Governance

Peace Justice & Security

BENEFICIARIES

Who We Serve

CISG serves actors currently excluded from meaningful participation in SSR/G due to a lack of credible evidence, voice, or platforms.

Governments & Institutions

Currently engaged symbolically, with limited access to data or influence over decisions.

Communities & Local Actors

Communities, local authorities, and frontline personnel lacking mechanisms to feed evidence upward.

Civil Society Organisations (SSR/G)

Have access and legitimacy but lack standardised data tools and entry points into formal decisions.

National & Regional & International Actors

Rely on CISG as a trusted, non-partisan source of inclusive SSR/G intelligence.

Why CISG is needed?

The main issue is the lack of inclusive methods for implementing reforms. Despite improvements since 2017, significant gaps still exist in civilian oversight, integration of diverse groups, and financial backing for security sector reforms.

Without proper oversight, SSR processes can become disconnected from reality. This means that while laws are in place, they aren’t effectively applied or monitored, leading to ineffective governance.

Inclusion is crucial but often overlooked. Effective SSR should involve all communities, including women and youth, to ensure that reforms reflect the needs and wishes of all citizens.

Learning from other ECOWAS countries can provide valuable insights. Without this regional exchange, Gambia misses key strategies that have worked elsewhere, hindering its reform efforts.

Linking SSR policies to public finance is essential. This means budgeting for reforms in a way that they are not only prioritized but also sustainable over time.

Effective governance requires viewing SSR as a continuous process. It’s important that it is integrated into the fabric of democratic institutions rather than seen as a one-time technical fix.

Reform involves multiple stages—planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring. Each step needs cohesive effort among all stakeholders to be effective.

Engaging communities means allowing their voices to be heard in the process. It’s about ensuring that reforms resonate with their needs and expectations, fostering trust and ownership.

Work With CISG

Advancing inclusive and accountable security governance requires credible
evidence, trusted partnerships, and sustained engagement.

Partner With Us