Kristiana Powell

Security Sector Reform Programme Officer
United Nations Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions
Focus Area(s)
Accountable Policing
Critical Tasks
Integration and amalgamation
Recruitment
Training
Interviewers
Arthur Boutellis
Country of Reform
Burundi
Town/City
New York
Country
United States
Date of Interview
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Abstract
In this interview, Kristiana Powell talks about security sector reform (SSR) in Burundi. Her work in Burundi focused primarily on reforms within the police; at the time. In this post-conflict setting, one challenge was a lack of understanding among police and citizens regarding the role of the police. The reforms focused on building a diverse, representative police force after conflict; developing capacity, including personnel and resources; and rightsizing the force after a swell in numbers. These changes were accomplished through the implementation of recruitment, vetting and training processes. Powell also explains issues of politicization within the police and the challenges facing donors. She praises the political will within the police and military. Powell concludes by describing relations between the government and the United Nations.

Full Interview

Audio Not Available
Profile

 At the time of this interview Kristiana Powell was the Security Sector Reform Programme Officer for the United Nations Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, housed in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). When she joined the DPKO in 2007, Powell worked on the emergin security sector reform team. Prior to joining the UN, she had worked with the Canadian research centers Project Ploughshares and the North-South institute. A security sector reform project with the North-South institute is what brought her to Burundi. She earned a master’s degree in Political Science with a focus on International Relations from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University.

Keywords
United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi
security sector reform
peacebuilding
capacity building
post-conflict policing
Not specified