Areas of expertise

Local governance and security

Support from technical and financial partners in security matters has long focused on strengthening the functioning of institutions at the central level, with an emphasis on repercussions at the local level. Coginta, for its part, intends to favor inclusive and decentralized action, as close as possible to the field and in contact with communities, with the aim of bringing together security forces and local actors (administrative authorities, religious and traditional leaders, members of civil society, etc.) in a logic of co-production of security.

Depending on the context, this methodology notably integrates a strengthening of the territorial administration and local security governance bodies, the carrying out of local security diagnostics, the introduction of community-oriented policing or even initiatives promoting confidence between security forces and local populations. This can also result in the promotion of traditional and customary modes of social regulation, often better able to meet the needs and expectations of populations.

Access to justice and protection of human rights

The protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is at the heart of Coginta’s mandate. This is reflected in various forms, including the strengthening of mechanisms and measures aimed at preventing, mitigating and remediating human rights violations that may be committed by security forces. This also involves supporting specialized bodies, such as national human rights commissions, or civil society organizations to strengthen citizens' access to justice.

Thus, Coginta supports the creation of legal clinics and justice centers which support the most vulnerable populations through legal and judicial assistance, mediation-conciliation actions and rights awareness and education campaigns to the attention of the general public.

Fight against impunity and corruption

Coginta is mobilizing alongside its partners to promote integrity, ethics and professional conduct within the defense and security forces, and fight against all forms of impunity by supporting in particular military justice or control and monitoring bodies. inspection. More generally, Coginta's actions aim to strengthen civilian, democratic and parliamentary control of security forces. Training and advisory missions are thus carried out with the media, independent journalists, civil society organizations or parliamentarians to make them aware of their role in external control. Awareness campaigns are also carried out among the population to promote the rule of law and raise awareness of the roles, responsibilities and duties of the defense and security forces. Coginta, for its part, ensures that its own staff adopt exemplary behavior.

Fight against transnational organized crime

Coginta supports the establishment of policies and initiatives to enable states to effectively combat transnational organized crime, particularly in areas of particular concern such as the proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, the trafficking of human beings or the trafficking of counterfeit medicines. Coginta thus offers advanced technical assistance in strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, training and support in the fight against such trafficking, also acting with local communities and in partnership with civil society actors. Awareness and prevention campaigns aimed at the general public are also being implemented in this regard.

Preventing terrorism and violent extremism

Coginta supports countries facing terrorism and violent extremism by proposing actions aimed at strengthening actors in the criminal justice chain so that judicial police operations can take place while respecting human rights standards and legal regulations in force. This may involve initiatives targeting the armed forces (required to be deployed on the national territory due to the high level of the threat and to act as first responders), internal security forces (required to protect populations and conduct investigations) or specialized justice institutions (in charge of the criminal response). This support takes the form of training actions, provision of specialized equipment and the construction of suitable infrastructure. Coginta also acts at the community level through prevention actions in conjunction with administrative authorities, youth and women's associations, chiefdoms and religious leaders.

Environmental protection and conflict
prevention linked to natural resources

The challenges linked to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts induced by climate change and the difficulties of access to natural resources are determining issues for peace and stability. As a result, Coginta has set up a center of expertise relating to the management of land conflicts, the securing of pastoral mobility and transhumance corridors, the strengthening of capacities in the management of natural resources and the prevention of conflicts, as well as support for security institutions (environmental police, forest guards, nature conservation corps, nomadic guard and Méharist units, etc.) responsible for safeguarding natural resources and public safety.

Public safety in mining areas

The recent development of small-scale mining activity, particularly gold mining, in many countries which, moreover, are prey to growing security threats, has led Coginta to develop a center of expertise and skills aimed at supporting States in strengthening public security systems in these areas. This support responds to two main logics.

First of all, ensure that these natural resources are not subject to capture by criminal groups, particularly in border areas that are more vulnerable due to their porosity and poorly controlled migratory movements. Then, create security conditions favorable to the emergence of responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), a source of economic development and job creation.

Thus, support is also provided to local consultation frameworks – under the supervision of administrative authorities – and to mining cooperatives, aiming to strengthen local mining governance. Awareness-raising activities are organized for the benefit of the population and training is offered to mining artisans. Coginta also helps to strengthen cohabitation between “large mines” and “small mines”, often a source of conflicts from which criminal groups tend to want to take advantage.

Safety in lake and river environments

Coginta provides advice and technical assistance in the management and security of river and lake areas, particularly in border areas. This support is materialized by the support (or even the creation) of specialized units, the construction and equipment of nautical stations, the acquisition of means adapted to surveillance missions and protection of populations in these areas. Theoretical and practical training is conducted with the aim of professionalizing personnel assigned to nautical units by preparing them for interventions in hostile environments. This training includes piloting, operational navigation, preparation for patrol and boat control missions, and even rescue and assistance maneuvers for populations.

Fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons

Coginta supports the development of national policies and programs aimed at supporting the compliance of States with their international commitments in the fight against the proliferation and illicit trafficking of SALW and their ammunition. This involves in particular technical assistance aimed at strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, modernizing stock management procedures and methods, supporting marking campaigns, and also preventing armed violence, in particular through awareness-raising and prevention among communities, civil society actors, and educational establishments.

Prevention and civil management of risks and disasters

Coginta supports the development of national policies on risk and disaster management, and supports the creation and organization of national civil protection structures. This support also contributes to improving the operational response of civil protection units, in particular through initial training (technical, theoretical and practical knowledge), specialized training (water rescue, road rescue, fire management, etc.) and strengthening logistical and operational capacities. Faced with the growing challenges of the recurrence and intensity of natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts and rampant urbanization in many countries, civil protection is an essential component in the provision of protection and security services.