Civilian agency and service provision under rebel rule: evidence from Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

In rebel-held territories, public services often continue to be delivered, although rebels rarely have the administrative capacities to provide them. Although the literature on rebel governance has emphasised rebel-led institution building, many rebel groups rely on existing institutions or establish collaborative arrangements with civilian actors, who often play a key role in revitalising public services. Drawing from extensive research in formerly rebel-held Côte d'Ivoire, I argue that the availability of services provided by pre-existing institutions, the strength of civilian demands for public services and the strategic interests and ideological orientation of the rebels contribute to explain variations in how services are provided. While direct rebel rule in Côte d'Ivoire was infrequent, rebels often supported and facilitated civilian-led initiatives. The case of Côte d’Ivoire highlights the importance of revising the concept of rebel governance and broadening the understanding of civilian agency in war beyond cooperation or non-cooperation with armed groups.