Not only was this affecting short term revenue and supply flows, the oil exploration area was of strategic, long term importance to the client and they were anxious to ensure they regained the ground and resumed normal operations as soon as possible.
The mission required very specific local knowledge combined with negotiating and conciliation skills to influence local people and tribal leaders of the importance of the oil project to the local economy in terms of benefits such as rebuilding local infrastructure and services. The solution was to engage in lengthy and delicate discussions with local representatives to begin the long process of building confidence and trust, prior to the next phase of re-building roads, schools and replacing water and electricity plus community facilities.
The infrastructure costs were to be paid for by the oil company client as this was an important part of their long term investment in securing stability and order in the area.
Taking a long-term view to ensure proper 'buy in' and commitment the project was phased over 12 months, with initial negotiations and basic infrastructure being completed within that time frame. Local people were involved in the design, planning and re-building phase to ensure there was a clear sense of ownership and a willingness to protect their new improved way of life and infrastructure.
Given the violent and turbulent history of the area a local defence force was trained and armed to provide security for the region in the future. The force were local people with a strong sense of identity and loyalty to their villages and community so they became extremely effective at providing rigorous security.
Once the area was declared safe, the client's wells were uncapped and regular production restarted.
As this case study demonstrates finding security solutions sometimes requires a mix of diplomatic and military skills applied in innovative and planned ways to deliver long-term success.
