The political security landscape for large parts of Africa over the past few years has been characterised by growing instability, fermented primarily by violent extremism, climate change, piracy, poverty, and internal conflict.
This instability routinely manifests in the form of power consolidation by ruling governments, including the closing of open spaces – suppressing alternative voices and actors considered threatening to ruling parties – and of course, violence, instigated by a broad range of actors that intentionally or unintentionally victimise non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The danger facing NGOs trying to operate safely and effectively in these unstable landscapes is visible in the data gathered by the Aid Worker Security Database – tallying total incidents of killed, wounded, or kidnapped aid workers in Africa between 1997 – Jan-Sep 2023 – showing a significant increase in incidents since the late 1990s. However, the
impact of instability in Africa on NGOs’ capabilities to operate freely requires a more qualitative analysis.
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Mark is responsible for SCR’s activities across Africa, the Middle East and France. Sitting within the Special Crime broking (kidnap, extortion & security risks) team, Mark has over 12 years’ experience working with clients across the region with a focus on Special Risks, Accident & Health solutions and crisis management / security consultancy.
Mark is a fluent French speaker with a degree in Politics & International Relations from Durham University and Sciences Po, Aix-en-Provence. Professional designations include the Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Level 3 Award for Private Investigators, accredited by the Association of British Investigators.