Building Resilience Beyond Security: Archer International Recognised with ICoCA Responsible Security Award 2025

At Archer International, we have always believed that responsible security extends far beyond protecting people and assets. In fragile and conflict-affected environments, security providers have a responsibility to support the communities in which they operate, uphold human rights, and enable humanitarian organisations to continue delivering essential services.

We are therefore proud to announce that Archer International has been recognised by the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) as a recipient of the 2025 Responsible Security Award, an initiative supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Our award-winning case study, Building Resilience Amid Flooding and Conflict, highlights our work in Fangak County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, and demonstrates how responsible private security can make a positive contribution in some of the world's most complex humanitarian environments.

Operating in One of the World's Most Challenging Environments

Fangak County presents extraordinary operational challenges. Every year, seasonal flooding inundates vast areas of the county, cutting off communities for months at a time and leaving many locations accessible only by boat or air. Combined with recurring conflict, limited infrastructure and significant humanitarian needs, organisations operating in Fangak must constantly adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

For security providers, these challenges cannot be addressed through traditional security measures alone. Success depends on understanding the local context, building trusted relationships and working collaboratively with communities, humanitarian partners and local authorities.

Security Through Partnership

At Archer, we view security as an enabler of humanitarian operations rather than simply a protective function.

Over several years of operating in Fangak, our teams have worked alongside local communities to strengthen resilience and improve safety. This has included supporting community-led dyke construction to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding, delivering practical health and safety training, investing in local employment opportunities and adapting operational procedures to reflect the realities of the local environment.

Equally important has been our commitment to staff welfare. By ensuring our personnel are properly trained, supported and equipped to operate in demanding environments, we help create safer conditions for both our employees and the communities they serve.

This community-centred approach has enabled Archer to build long-term trust while supporting humanitarian organisations in maintaining access to vulnerable populations.

Responsible Security in Practice

As an ICoCA Certified Member, Archer is committed to the principles of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.

Our approach is founded on four core principles:

• Respect for Human Rights – embedding human rights considerations into every aspect of our operations.

• Community Engagement – recruiting locally wherever possible and building genuine partnerships with communities.

• Professional Standards – investing in internationally accredited training, robust procedures and continuous improvement.

• Staff Welfare – ensuring our personnel are trained, supported and able to operate safely and ethically in complex environments.

These principles are not simply policies—they guide how we deliver security every day across South Sudan.

Supporting a Just Transition

Our work in Fangak directly reflects the theme of the 2025 ICoCA Responsible Security Awards: Strategic Goal 3 – Just Transition.

A just transition recognises that sustainable development must be fair, inclusive and community-focused. For responsible security providers, this means creating decent employment opportunities, supporting local resilience, respecting human rights and ensuring that security contributes positively to long-term social and economic stability.

We are honoured that our work has been recognised as an example of these principles in action.

Field Notes from the Front Line

Alongside the case study, Archer also features in ICoCA's podcast series, Field Notes from the Front Line.

In the episode, John Davies, Director of Sustainability, Quentin Otieno, Training Manager, and Gideon Iranya, Field Operations, discuss their experiences of operating in Fangak County. The conversation explores how community engagement, human rights due diligence, local partnerships and staff welfare have shaped Archer's approach to responsible security in one of the world's most challenging environments.

The podcast offers practical insights into how responsible private security can support humanitarian operations while strengthening resilience within local communities.

Looking Ahead

Receiving the ICoCA Responsible Security Award is an important milestone for Archer International, but it also reinforces our ongoing commitment.

As security risks continue to evolve alongside climate change, conflict and humanitarian crises, we believe responsible security providers have an increasingly important role to play. By working in partnership with communities, investing in our people and upholding the highest ethical standards, we can help create safer environments that enable organisations to deliver their vital work.

We would like to thank ICoCA, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), our humanitarian partners, and above all, our dedicated teams across South Sudan whose professionalism, integrity and commitment made this recognition possible.

Learn More

Read the award-winning case study:
https://icoca.ch/case-studies/building-resilience-amid-flooding-and-conflict/

Listen to the Field Notes from the Front Line podcast:
https://icoca.podbean.com/e/archer-strengthening-community-amid-flooding-and-environmental-challenges/

South Sudan - Gang Violence, Armed Youth, and Political Insecurity

The Guardian’s recent reporting sheds light on the violent rise of youth gangs in Juba, where groups such as the Toronto Boys, Mongalla Boys, Niggaz Boys, and 72 Boys dominate areas like Gudele, Sherikat, and Munuki.

These gangs, often armed with pangas and knives, are no longer fringe actors — they shape daily life in many neighbourhoods.

A viral video in July from Sherikat, which showed gang-led sexual violence, and the subsequent arrests of more than 600 young men, underscores how quickly community insecurity and state responses can escalate. Families claim many of those detained were forcibly conscripted into the army, deepening mistrust between communities and authorities.

From a security risk perspective, this environment resonates with the findings in Archer’s Weekly Strategic Summary (2–8 August 2025):

- Between January and June, 114 gun violence incidents were recorded nationwide, causing 877 deaths. Armed youth accounted for over half of these cases, highlighting their central role in driving instability.
- In Juba specifically, gang violence within IDP camps and neighbourhoods has become entrenched, exploiting weak policing and social fractures.

For organisations operating in South Sudan, particularly in the capital, this violence is not abstract. It translates into very real risks for staff and communities:

- Local employees often bear the brunt, facing attacks on their way home, sometimes robbed at knifepoint or with machetes in hand.
- Neighbourhood-based gangs know the terrain intimately, making targeted assaults and robberies both opportunistic and highly effective.

The blurred line between gang violence, armed youth, and political insecurity complicates protective measures, especially in areas like Gudele, Sherikat, and Munuki.

What emerges is a picture of fragility where everyday urban movement - commuting, visiting family, walking home from work - carries risk. For South Sudanese staff in particular, who live and work within these environments, the threats are not just statistics but daily realities.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/aug/18/south-sudan-war-gang-culture-youths-conscription

South Sudan & Djibouti Sign Historic Port Deal

South Sudan and Djibouti have signed a historic agreement to develop new trade corridors linking White Nile River ports and key dry ports across South Sudan to Djibouti’s maritime infrastructure.

On paper, this could be transformative - positioning South Sudan as a logistics hub within the wider African Great Lakes Region and creating new economic lifelines beyond the traditional southern routes through the East African Community.

What is particularly striking is the ambition to prioritize corridors such as Malakal, Renk, and Nasir, threading through the Sobat basin - an area that has for much of this year been synonymous with instability, White Army mobilisations, and aerial bombardments. The contrast could not be sharper: the same terrain that has symbolised insecurity may now be reimagined as a conduit for trade and development.

The question is whether South Sudan can align its security posture with its economic aspirations. Infrastructure is only as valuable as the environment it operates in. If stability can be sustained along these critical corridors, this initiative could mark a turning point - diversifying South Sudan’s access to regional markets, embedding it more firmly in continental trade dynamics, and reducing reliance on vulnerable southern supply lines.

The stakes are clear: without credible improvements in security and governance, physical investment risks becoming stranded assets. But if South Sudan manages to seize this opportunity, the deal with Djibouti could be remembered not only as a logistics agreement, but as a bold step towards long-term development and integration.

https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/south-sudan-djibouti-sign-deal-to-develop-trade-corridor#:~:text=South%20Sudan%20and%20Djibouti%20signed,routes%20and%20boosting%20regional%20commerce.

How We Became One of Sudan’s Trusted Cash Delivery Partners - By Saying Yes When It Mattered

We didn’t set out to become a cash delivery partner in Sudan. There was no formal launch or rollout plan. We got a call in 2023 from a now long-term client. Their message was clear: “We need to get cash into the country. Nothing else has worked. Can you help?”

So we did what most business leaders instinctively do — we said yes, and figured out how to make it happen later.

Two years on, we’ve built something real. We now operate what is essentially a fully functional financial logistics service in Sudan. We’re moving cash, chartering planes, coordinating secure distributions, and getting funds where they need to go, reliably and discreetly.

Turns out, it helps when you’ve spent over a decade working across the region — and when you’ve built a serious, trusted network along the way. In places like Sudan or South Sudan, operations don’t run on systems alone — they run on relationships. On trust. On knowing who to call when plans change and roads close. It’s not always about what you know — it’s often about who you know. That’s a big part of why this works.

Built From the Field, Not the Boardroom

Since that first call in 2023, we’ve gone on to support partners like Chemonics, DT Global, FEWSNET, and Concern Worldwide in delivering over $1,000,000 in cash directly to beneficiaries. We’ve operated in Khartoum, Kassala, White Nile, South Kordofan, West Kordofan, and other high-need, hard-to-access areas — navigating real-time risks, political shifts, and logistical roadblocks along the way.

None of it was straightforward. But that’s the kind of work we do best. We’re used to conflict-affected contexts. We understand how to build operations in places that don’t fit inside a clean framework. And more than anything, we understand how to get things done without overpromising or oversimplifying.

We’ve moved cash by road, air, and sometimes sheer will. We’ve worked with local leaders and security forces to ensure safe passage. We’ve brought structure to environments where there’s no SOP to lean on — only experience, instinct, and resilience.

When There’s No Playbook, You Build One

There’s no template for this. No step-by-step guide to delivering cash in war-affected or politically sensitive areas. What there is, however, are fundamentals: stay close to your client, stay flexible, and don’t lose sight of the mission.

We didn’t get into this because it looked easy or profitable. We got into it because someone we trusted needed help. And we realized quickly that we were uniquely placed to deliver — not just because of our logistics capabilities, but because of the relationships we’ve built, the trust we’ve earned, and the years we’ve spent working in these environments.

That’s why this isn’t just a “service line.” It’s something we believe in. It’s something we’re good at because we’ve lived it. And honestly, it’s why we’re here.

The Work We Love

There’s a particular energy to this kind of work. You never really know what’s coming. But there’s nothing more satisfying than looking at a messy, difficult, high-stakes situation and thinking: Can I actually pull this off? And then doing it.

We love that. The uncertainty. The pressure. The problem-solving. The moments that make you feel like you’re part of something that matters.

We’re not in it for the headlines. We’re in it for the results. The relationships. The quiet confidence that comes from knowing your team, your approach, and your principles can stand up in the toughest conditions.

What We’re Doing Now

Today, we’re not just delivering cash. We’ve expanded into full-spectrum humanitarian logistics — helping partners move non-food items, medical supplies, fuel, and critical equipment across Sudan.

We do it all while staying compliant, responsive, and grounded in the realities on the ground. And we’ll keep going — because this work matters, and because we’ve proven we can do it well.

So if you’re navigating complex programs in fragile settings — and you need a partner who knows how to move, solve, and deliver — give us a call. We’re here. We’ve been here. And we know what it takes to make things happen.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

⭐ NEWSFLASH - Extra! Extra! Read All About It!⭐

Welcome to Archer, your trusted partner in secure logistics solutions tailored for South Sudan's unique landscape. Archer is thrilled to announce a significant expansion to our logistics capabilities with the introduction of brand new river barges to complement our existing air fleet. With over 20 years of unparalleled experience in the region, we are proud to introduce our latest offering: a comprehensive transportation service designed to meet the diverse needs of clients spanning the private sector, diplomatic community, and international NGOs.

Jonathan Simpson, Managing Director of Archer International:

"We are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation – a comprehensive logistics solution tailored to meet the unique challenges of South Sudan. With our new fleet of planes and river barges, coupled with state-of-the-art tracking systems and professionally trained staff, we are poised to revolutionize the transportation landscape, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable logistics services for our clients."

At Archer, we understand the challenges of navigating South Sudan's terrain. We have a versatile fleet of planes, river barges, and trucks, ensuring efficient and secure transport of your cargo across the country. Our state-of-the-art tracking system provides real-time oversight, offering peace of mind from Juba to your final destination.

Committed to excellence, we maintain rigorous recruitment standards, assembling a team of experienced and vetted professionals dedicated to safeguarding your cargo every step of the way. With our extensive network spanning the country, we guarantee seamless access and expedited delivery, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination swiftly and hassle-free.
Experience the difference with Archer – where security, reliability, and efficiency converge to redefine logistics in South Sudan.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your transportation needs with precision and professionalism.

🎉🌟 Celebrating Success: Congratulations to Our Archer Team! 🌟🎉

We're thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of our 14 Archer staff members who successfully completed the rigorous Mobile Security Response Training! 🙌

With the expansion of our services across Juba, it's imperative to ensure our clients receive the utmost safety and security. That's why we've invested in additional resources, including a new vehicle and team, to bolster our support system.

At Archer, we pride ourselves on adhering to the highest standards. Our training syllabus is meticulously crafted to meet the requirements of industry benchmarks such as ICoCA, PSC1, and ISO 18788. But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to human rights. Our training program places an unprecedented focus on crucial aspects like Gender-Based Violence, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, ensuring that every member of our team is equipped to handle sensitive situations with utmost care and respect.

The Mobile Response Team (MRT) plays a pivotal role in our commitment to keeping you safe. Day or night, they're ready to respond swiftly to any emergency our clients may face. From first aid to firefighting, from managing crime scenes to resolving conflicts, our MRT members undergo rigorous training to handle any challenge with expertise and precision.

We're immensely proud of our entire team, but we must give a special shoutout to Abraham Makuei Mayek for his exceptional performance, scoring an impressive 93% in the exam! 🌟

Join us in applauding the dedication and hard work of our Archer team members. Your safety is our top priority, and we're committed to delivering excellence every step of the way. Here's to continued success and keeping our community safe! 💪🚀 #ArcherTeam #SafetyFirst #Congratulations

Security Officers - Your Shop Window

Picture if you will this scenario: Your senior donor arrives at your compound somewhere in Central Africa, for a key meeting to assess the efficacy of your delivery programmes, and you are out to impress. She arrives in the midday heat at the main gate and is met by a suspicious looking security guard wearing flip flops and a frown. After giving her name, the guard disappears for several minutes before lethargically opening the side door and beckons her into a scruffy guard room where she is made to fill in a visitors’ book. Phone calls are made. You can’t be reached, and eventually she calls you on her cell in frustration to say she has arrived and is keen to get the meeting underway...

Sound familiar? Do you imagine the right tone has been set to press for that vital funding?

Sadly this is all too familiar when operating countries blessed with the tags ‘complex’, ‘chaotic’, or ‘post-conflict’ environments. Organizations are often too ready to accept the prevalent norm of standards, rather than insisting on better. There is currently an almost universal problem with the general demeanor of security officers, and one that fails to reflect the positive goals and outlook of the NGOs, their mission and values. The person at the main gate is the first a visitor meets, and sets the tone from the onset. This is frequently overlooked when selecting a security provider, which is often considered a grudge purchase; an unpalatable necessity.

At Archer International, we argue and firmly believe that security service providers can add real value to an organization by providing a shop window for the way you position and operate. Smart, polite and friendly security officers (for let us give them a title that reflects their status and responsibility) overtly reflect your organization. Your visitors will immediately feel welcome and secure, and treated with dignity, whether they be senior donors or people seeking employment. Similarly we are acutely sensitive to your staff, whom the security officers are also there to protect and patrol compounds by day, and more importantly residences at night. There is an intimacy here that needs to be acknowledged. Your security officers control access to your compound at night and are often entrusted with keys in the event of emergencies. Consequently clients need to rely on security officers who are highly trained, vetted, trusted, and who project both a friendly and reassuring aspect.

Every day Archer International aims to change general impressions of the security service industry to those of proactive and positive outcomes. On the ground we achieve this by developing a highly motivated workforce, through training, mentorship, and professional development. A motivated, well-adjusted security officer is the person who can project your own organization’s ethos, beliefs and values on to the outside world.  Archer is an Affiliate of the International Code of Conduct for private security providers (ICoCA) that strives for best practice within the industry, with a particular emphasis on human rights.

John Davies

Director

Archer International Ltd