Re-theorising the participation-security nexus in war-to-peace transitions

War-to-peace transitions feature multiple insecurities not directly connected to armed conflict, seen clearly in violence associated with social and political participation by marginalised persons and communities. Understanding such violence requires re-theorisation of the relationship between citizen participation and security. Grounded theory research on sectoral and temporal patterns of violence in Colombia’s Cesar Department suggests it is utilised by societal elites in response to grassroots participation. I analyse electoral participation, intra- and inter-community participation, and participation in dialogue with authorities at multiple levels, finding that empowered citizen participation is a key means to ensure citizen security. This includes participatory peacebuilding mechanisms during 2011–2016 peace negotiations with FARC-EP, involvement in ongoing peace accord implementation, and elaboration of local development plans. Re-theorising the participation-security nexus challenges ‘security first’ analyses and calls on academics, practitioners, and policymakers to consider the motives, methods, and mechanisms through which violence is utilised to block empowered citizen participation.