Eeben Barlow: Inside the world of private military contractors | Talk to Al Jazeera

For years, private armies have provided services to governments around the world. They are often secretive and operate in the shadows.
Blackwater - now known as Academi - is one of the most well-known private armies. It has provided troops and other services to the US government in different conflicts, including the Iraq war.
But it is not always clear how these private armies are formed, where they operate, or even what their missions consist of.
Eeben Barlow is chairman of 'Specialised Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection International' - a private army that - according to Barlow - has operated throughout Africa and beyond. He was also behind another similar company that shut down in 1998 - called Executive Outcomes.
And while many argue private armies are mercenaries doing the jobs governments do not want to do - Barlow insists his operations are legitimate and follow international law.
"We don't see ourselves as mercenaries. We are first of all contracted by a national government. We become part of their armed forces, we wear their uniforms, we follow their procedures and guidelines, we fall under the legal regulations of that country. So, in other words, we serve the country that contracts us. And yes, we get paid for it, but we certainly don't get paid to run around and cause chaos," says Barlow.
Some private military contractors have been accused of prolonging conflicts instead of ending them, but Barlow believes that "there is a fine line between moral and immoral".
"But that really goes back to the people that are involved ... We've never prolonged a conflict, in fact, we've ended them despite them carrying on for decades and decades. We've ended them in a very short space of time. But I am aware of companies that do not mind if the conflict continues because that's the goose that lays the golden egg, and they certainly don't want to stop it," says Barlow.
He stresses the importance of cultural understanding and expertise needed to end conflicts across Africa.
"We are after all Africans that work in Africa. But I do think there is a major concern that Africans can actually end African conflicts," says Barlow.
"We look at all these private military companies going into Africa, they are just charging, they don't understand the environment they are in, they don't understand the area of operation, they don't understand the people and very quickly, they offend people ... If they are not going to add value and bring about ... stability and peace, then they shouldn't be there. But unfortunately, this has been allowed to drag on."
So who makes sure these armies are indeed following international law? How do they operate? And is there accountability?
Eeben Barlow provides an insight into the world of private military contractors as he talks to Al Jazeera about his company's role in fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria, the LRA in Uganda and other conflicts across Africa.
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[@jordythebassist]

This man lead a platoon of about 150 soldiers and cleaned up Sierra Leone, they got ushered out by the UN who replaced the 150 soldiers with 10, 000 peacekeeping troops. They were overrun almost immediately and called Eeben, who sent the same 150 men to Sierra Leone again and cleaned up the mess. Again. This is someone we should listen to when it comes to ending armed conflicts.

[@siyaphumladeliwe8914]

mnxm

[@redskyatnight123]

The un prolonging wars since 1950,s

[@dudleylandsberg1747]

​@@siyaphumladeliwe8914what's the problem

[@charlesfortrsqueminor2120]

Most experienced in region

[@dwightchaos9449]

Just saw a doc on that.. how I got here

[@Loneranger670]

This is the way to do it. Ask an intelligent and well thought out question, and then let the interviewee answer uninterrupted. Very useful and of great value to the viewer. Well done to both gentlemen - nice and objective. Thank you.

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

Totally agree

[@sephokoaneezekielmamabolo6325]

Salute..I like your leadership.Give you order of grand master

[@cobus9999]

Great interview. Eben Barlow is as solid and transparent as he has always been. I have a lot of respect for him.

[@zulfiqarhashim1376]

from a purely military standpoint he raises some really great points, seems like a very professional and capable soldier.Hats off

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

Yes very

[@llamamanism]

Mr Barlow is an interesting character, part businessman part diplomat part soldier, his calm reserved intelligent answers betray a knowledge of the big picture in a world where most people would get lost in the details.

[@wilburburger6155]

Soft spoken man and a great peace keeper.

[@hanschouwman4536]

@@wilburburger6155 do you know what you talking about.I don't think so.

[@TheMrFu]

@@hanschouwman4536 clearly you dont

[@HueyPPLong]

These guys are necessary in our fallen world where humans will always be at each other’s neck but let’s not pretend they’re nice or good guys.

[@Crazy--Clown]

He's a Muppet

[@towetpaul6961]

A much better interview than what you see on western television channels. The interviewee gives full answers minus interruption. Al jazeera keep it up

[@The_Old_Gang]

"That type of nonsense does not save our girls." Gotta love this man xD

[@karldrogo8736]

Yea, laughing my guts out from Nigeria. The US leaders gives speeches and raises " save our girls" placards, but when the previous administration actually tries to do something about it the US sticks it's corrupt nose in because of some mystifying political interest that apparently outweighs the lives of thousands.

[@gogonna]

5:15 UN and IMF exploiting Africa through wars (eg Angola/Sierra Leone conflicts) 8:50 Boko Haram discussion started. 11:53 United States funded the 2015 political campaign of General Muhammad Buhari 13:36 Involvement in South Sudan 15:54 Involvement in Somalia(Pirates on Ocean)

[@masterofrockets]

You dropped this 👑

[@MintJuulPodGod]

Love how he managed to point out that the UN and global banking war machine don’t want end to conflicts they only make them worse.

[@jonathanfreeman-mariani472]

What is his incentive to end conflict though? Honest question

[@DerSchleier]

@@jonathanfreeman-mariani472 Huh? You fail to understand the basic precept of business/mercantilism. "You pay me to complete a professional job within a given time frame. I do my job. Well. Bankers hate me because my business is highly efficient."

[@eriksvsirocco]

I read his book, Executive Outcomes: Against All Odds. And I recommend everyone reads it aswell

[@helloxyz]

Best book ever, not just about mercenaries, but about governments and the world at war. Anyone who joins a national army at war wants his head examined.

[@METALWULF]

This man is a legend and a hero

[@Blunt3021]

This man knows what he’s talking about!!

[@hanschouwman4536]

No he doesn't

[@flighttherapybullisticfpv133]

He's a profiteering war criminal lol He knows what you want to hear.

[@TheMrFu]

@@flighttherapybullisticfpv133 explain how

[@TayMon69]

@@flighttherapybullisticfpv133 When it comes to conflict, the US, the UN and most countries are all war criminals, there are countless numbers of gvt funding very immoral and criminal actions. You can take Sierra Leone for example of your clear bias and stupidity. No one is all good or all bad lmao but those you're protecting rn are defo far worse and also useless

[@RSVPrr]

@@flighttherapybullisticfpv133 No he is an African providing an alternative to Western greedy armies causing civil wars in Africa

[@kookookala6251]

Barlow is a very smart dude, man he explains things so easy and he should be taken seriously...

[@jawadrahman6833]

This is the talks of a sensible man, the points he raised were totally legit along with his views on the african conflicts.

[@BlackFamilyOnTheRoad]

Soldier who enterprises on his skills....respect

[@user-gv7ju8up8s]

A highly competent soldier and an insightful philosopher. A colleague and a friend.

[@shaneberg8D]

This Is The First Time Watching The Program. I Very Much Appreciate The Fact That The Interviewer Allows For The Guest To Answer The Questions Without, Interruption. The Viewer Gets So Much More Out Of The Topic. Or, What Is Being Explained/Shared. Respectful, To All Parties Concerned. Thank You!

[@freeman436]

Mercenary is not a dirty word any more than PMC is. Soldiers for hire date back to Alexander the Great. The Hessians helped forge American independence. I could go on. This man is thoughtful, cogent, and forthcoming as much as he can be. The interviewer is adept and well informed. The AJE format is both relaxed, expansive and to the point. Bravo.

[@tiikudzanai3451]

This was a really well done interview and very insightful. This man knows what he's talking about. Is there a second part to this interview? It seems incomplete.

[@dev-pj9vi]

Very good interview. Barlow really seems to know his stuff. I love that comment on hashtags not saving anyone, when he was talking about their plans to actually go rescue those girls.

[@phoenixprocurementlimitedb6984]

Both Interviewer and Interviewee are serious professionals. Good work for both gentlemen

[@enyoezangpo7958]

From a military point of view He is right and stand tall

[@zambonibob2026]

glad EO is back

[@fraterkaos7988]

This Barlow guy is a total professional, and a hero.

[@GreaterSolomon]

Great interviewer and interviewee. Really absorbing content Al Jazeera

[@campbelltown3065]

Great interview!

[@vinniechan]

geeze very articulated and professionally spoken

[@property_tommorow9918]

Very cogent replies and logical. And very honest.

[@aminrodriguez4707]

Wao, Eeben Barlow, now that is a big fish. And, the best part is, he is right about what he says, mostly.

[@campbelltown3065]

I like the way he described himself as ‘an African’. Much respect mate.

[@DP-cd5wr]

born and bred, why would he describe himself as anything else?

[@accountretired9479]

Except he isn't the same way others are always reminded they are not European in Europe.

[@keith1689]

Just because he was born in SA doesn’t mean he’s African. Example..North America 3 largest counties are Canada, Mexico’ and America, but if you are born in Canada or Mexico you don’t call yourself Americans.

[@jamesdc9595]

@@keith1689 yeah, because the word “America” isn’t in their names, mate

[@noynoybaqui]

@@keith1689 WRONG.

[@rostamr4096]

Great interview, My respect for Mr. Barlow.

[@clintoncannon4507]

This is what journalism looks like. Nicely done to both gentlemen.

[@acpgiga]

Eeben Barlow - Legend!

[@motolaniolumideokunowo2246]

This is very Intelligent interview... The Tone was very objective... But in questioning and answering...

[@TBendez]

It's an interview but not objective in the questioning, total opposite. Leading questions based on presumptions which often were wrong.

[@drattler1946]

God Bless Barlow Private Enterprise runs circles around Government at EVERY LEVEL Always Will

[@tongascopetongaisango8691]

Attached to the Ugandan army in the DRC, this man knows angles that need light shed on.

[@uraninite8151]

Where you in the UPDF in the 2nd Congo war? That’s very interesting. What areas did you get to in DRC and how did the FAC and RPA preform? Did you ever work with Bembas MLC?

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

Yes a great interviewer,,,,nice job al jazeera

[@hornisan]

excellent journalism !!!

[@property_tommorow9918]

I don't think so. Mr Barlow hit all questions for a 6. The journalist never could corner Mr Barlow.

[@obinnax6256]

The job of the journalist is to extract the story, not necessarily to antagonize or show his respondent in bad light. And this interviewer extracted the story from Barlow superbly! Barlow spoke openly about things that one might not expect him to.........including about things that he “heard”, and did not necessarily have proof about (the involvement of the US in the backroom dealings concerning Boko Haram, for instance). People like Barlow are careful men who take care not to make open accusations about powerful countries. So I’d give the journalist kudos for putting him at ease to the extent that he availed us of even his suspicions!

[@sanlive956]

Jah bless Sir

[@garytazcarroll8623]

Respect Sir from Scotland x Great interview and very thruthfull x

[@oldhardshell7235]

Blacks in the USA claim to be African Americans, many, just plain, Americans. According to some comments here, Barlow shouldn’t call himself African, because he’s European. Well, brilliant commenters, what is your problem? If the blacks born in America , with African ancestry, can call themselves Americans, then Mr Barlow , as an African born European, has the right to call himself African. I hope this wasn’t too deep and convoluted for you naysayers.

[@davidoldboy5425]

Hats off to them both, as the others say intelligent questions and intelligent response in an unbiased manner, sad when as a UK citizen I prefer Al Jazeera to the BBC for real news.

[@benbliss9589]

I'm with you there. I'm not sure sure there's ever been real news on the bbc.

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

The American military industrial complex makes billions of dollars prolonging US lead wars. 20 years in Afghanistan? For what? Money! Thats what! Respect to this man for leave when the job is done.

[@katamwe]

Much respect to Mr. Eeben.

[@mulukusimushi1482]

Great gentleman with an informed mind

[@andreburger8009]

Eeben you are a gentleman and a scholar.

[@BashirAbba]

Major concern that Africans can end African conflict. "18:20" Well said.

[@frontlinemedia6675]

Good Interview

[@darthpheez]

Anyone know what hat that is? I know MGSV’s “Diamond Dogs” were based heavily off of EO, which had the nickname “Diamond Dogs of War”

[@WhatsinterestigToday]

brilliant and educational expertise. very humane

[@bwanawilson5985]

Outanding Sir Eben Barlow!

[@obinnauba9131]

He says it how it is, facts and details. A soldier with an ideology.

[@umargiade976]

More than any other thing, this interview has exposed the UN and Western powers complicity in engendering war and conflict in Africa. The day Africans will wake up from their slumber, understand this evil and fight back is taking shape already. Eeben may be a mercenary but he is more honest and committed to ending conflict than most of these puppets we have as leaders in Africa. God bless him

[@JarodFarrant]

Happy Executive outcomes is back.

[@agentmonde1]

The cap he wears is something I respect, and he's an African.

[@franciscoxavier99]

monde made what does the logo of the cap mean?

[@agentmonde1]

@@franciscoxavier99 it's a badge from the 44 Parachute Brigade veterans association

[@francoiswilliams]

Yebo

[@MegaJohny56]

You're darn right we africans are proud of our brother barlow ,he is a warrior

[@solutions36512]

@@henshawblaze He is a true African. Colour has nothing to do with his heritage

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

These are some serious warriors,,,,,,,

[@farooqhassan2702]

Great interview. Can we hear something about the private contractors in Afghanistan. Especially Blackwater.

[@TBendez]

Was BW ever in Afghanistan?

[@trj1442]

What a great show. The interviewer asked some great questions. Eeben Barlow should be appointed to the UN. Imagine the things he must have seen in his life.

[@qraxex]

His response, "first of all, let's talk about what we've turned down"

[@Penalte1976]

I love him and respect him, I have met him, B4 intelligent guy.

[@kieranhimself9124]

When he made the comment about the world bank in Sierra Leone, does anyone know more about this?

[@malosemphahlele441]

He was a member of The Buffaloes, The Terrible Ones, 32 Battalion

[@timbarnard5168]

correct .. best fighting unit ever on the African continent and certainly one of the best in the world

[@jamesanderson5943]

On instinct, I'd trust this guy!

[@bradbrown9722]

More so than the interviewer, from my gut instinct. But in today’s world, you never know. I have nothing at all against private contractoring. As a matter of fact, I think it can be very useful to both sides

[@chrisscott4766]

Decent man really good interview.

[@vusivusi9435]

I know him from the unit called 32 battalion

[@Ca55-WP]

Actually that unit was headed up by someone else - it was Jan Breytenbach. Eeben comes from the Recce commandos.

[@vusivusi9435]

@@Ca55-WP one recce of the best special forces after Israel then SAS

[@malosemphahlele441]

The Terrible Ones

[@timbarnard5168]

Os terriveis

[@JohnJohnson-vi8eu]

He'll yes! Great example: sierra Leone ,Cleaned up Fast for a great price! We need this type of private army's everywhere!!!!!

[@az095929]

thx

[@chetannanwoke4725]

That type of nonsense does not save girls.

[@pieterwillembotha6719]

The Nigerian government sheepishly admitted that former SADF personnel were instrumental in operations against Boko Haram. Maybe if the Nigerian police and military were not so woefully incompetent, the girls would not have been kidnapped in the first place?

[@uraninite8151]

He could have saved them if the Nigerians didn’t get politics involved in their contract...

[@commonsense7057]

It's not good business for the world bank, IMF, central banks and military industrial complex for conflict to end. It will continue forever until we address the fact that the world is 60 trillion in debt. How is the entire world in debt? Who is the world in debt too? Addressing that question will end a lot of conflict. War is a very profitable business.

[@donduck8153]

Pure

[@Vetsolo]

Speaks volumes

[@tersiavanaswegen5553]

His fake & useless & loves money!!!!!!!! Has he help any PMC or soldiers with food or that's homeless?

[@andrewworrall4302]

The South African Military veterans from pre 94, were one of the top soldiers in the world. Its a pity that the south african government wont use them, because they are white. But imagine using this knowledge base?

[@campbelltown3065]

South Africa’s loss was Australia’s gain. Many of those guys came here and brought their expertise with them. They were also great rugby players.

[@irvineleroux658]

We need all the help we can get to fight crime in SA.

[@j.miller5565]

@@irvineleroux658 Today's governments and people are too stupid and quick to call anything racist, never mind the fact that brave men, women, and children fought against the communist and others that wanted to ruin the bread basket of Africa and Suid Afrika. Growing up, some of my best friends were SA and Rodies, and not all were white. They all mourned for the same thing, and that was to live in peace together. The politics may be ruled be clowns but the every day people and farmers with their hired hands all broke the same bread together. I can see similar issues happening in my adopted country of the U.S.A. It saddens me to see this happening, and im sure the great Dr. Martin Luther King is rolling in his grave because of the racial division that is happening not only here, but world wide. I'm a Pole, and did time as a PMC, not with OU, but another great company. Served in the U.S. Mill as well. When I was a contractor, besides the ME, I have also spent time in Africa and not only have I, but a number of coworkers have adopted children from the countries we were in. Because I am white, I've been called a racist for adoption of a black child. Never mind the fact that we had the mothers and fathers begging us with tears in their eyes to take their children so the daughters were not raped and the sons not made into child soldiers. T.I.A., this is Africa, what may seem foreign to most, is an everyday thing to people in that beautiful but sadly war torn continent. I truly wish people would open their eyes and be color blind, i and other pmc's I worked with all were there for a common cause, no, it was not money, it was to destroy evil and protect the common person no matter if it was a shop keep or the man that dug out pits for restroo.s. But we are considered trash, as we are not part of a national military. So that's evil, even though it is the second oldest profession in the world. I could keep going on, but it would be a waste of breath as most people don't go by logic and only feels these days. God bless the Men and Women who go face death in the face to fight evil in this world.

[@davidoldboy5425]

If this is true imagine the outcry if it were the other way around? I'm coming to conclusions of where racial prejudice really lies, this would not be allowed in the west by law, yet no protests or coverage in MSM.

[@moosejohnson6098]

The IMF hates him, that's all I need to know about his quality as a man.

[@MasterWooten]

The problem with United Nations Mercenary Convention, is that their definition of the term "mercenary" can apply to any soldier who is a member of an armed force that is invited by the host nation to "play" pursuant to Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Yes we get it that traditionally mercenaries had a bad rep enforcing some pretty awful regimes and some committed some pretty awful deeds however ties change and since the countries employing them are doing so willingly and with success, to try and pressure them to stop is ridiculous. Sure sure where the mercenary is trying to over throw a regime he is a criminal or a terrorist, however if he is employed by the government of the day and that government is the legitimate government of that state then they are as far as that nation is concerned legally engaged by that nation. Its no different than the government hiring any other kind of private contractors from overseas. No one has the authority to object to that.

[@helloxyz]

All countries have laws that prohibit mercenaries from fighting against them. All countries employ mercenaries, but call them different names - Britain employs, Gurkhas, Chinese, Fijians, and in the past employed Germans, Indians, Africans etc.

[@conorgraafpietermaritzburg3720]

He's a smooth operation, we'll have to see 👀 over time what the truth of the matter 😮

[@braamies5339]

I was once asked why I am sad about the south Africa of today. I said because we are not like e were. Watching this I now know what it is I really meant. We as South africans were guided by frimly held values, knew our game and got the job done. Now we just play to the gallery

[@charlesfortrsqueminor2120]

Best contractors in Africa

[@lutheur33]

The Original!

[@mazinwamazi1738]

When Southern Nigeria says we don't like Obama many democrats won't understand.

[@henryeghaghara9385]

What do mean by not liking Obama? U.S. policy is U.S. policy Obama Trump are all thesame Buhari alone created more jobs in the U.S. than he did in the entire Nigeria

[@mac1975]

Happy memories of being barrell bombed in Sudan. 😝

[@c.w.miles-cowboycookstoryt1528]

ALL soldiers are Mercenaries and its the most honorable profession there is

[@kudakwashechivanga2436]

So the UN comes in when the job is done then boom bec to factory settings

[@suhasgowda2753]

9:25 so true

[@lindamavrikis2229]

So where is Eeben and mr Raath South Africa needs you

[@tongascopetongaisango8691]

That type of nonsense does not save the girls indeed.

[@kieranhimself9124]

So, when's he fixing up South Africa?

[@makongozaenos1591]

From what

[@comitatus5337]

@@makongozaenos1591 Seriously!!

[@MartyP-lr7vw]

Countries like South Africa & Zimbabwe are beyond fixing as the criminal enterprises that run them also control the army and police.

[@antviv]

@@MartyP-lr7vw za has a slim chance of turning things around. time is ticking

[@antviv]

from an interest standpoint that is

[@dwightchaos9449]

So is there a step vs black water beef?

[@guyfrawley9662]

A rose by any other name is a rose!

[@helloxyz]

Mercenaries are as old as the Anabasis, the story of the Ten Thousand written 2.5 thousand years ago. Greek soldiers recruited by a rebel trying to take over a nation state. If you can't be bothered to read the book, probably the only book on war and politics that is as good as Echo Bravo's Executive Outcomes - then at least watch the film "The Warriors" (1979).

[@hectortellez7776]

Everyone on the planet needs warriors, 🇺🇸

[@iamprincesunny]

Nothing hidden can be hidden forever. One day someone somewhere will speak out

[@tersiavanaswegen5553]

His fake & useless & loves money!!!!!!!! Has he help any PMC or soldiers with food or that's homeless?

[@hydrohasspoken6227]

this men went to the UN headquarters to show the fat politicians how he could prevent the Rwanda genocide. He was cast aside.

[@Zretgul_timerunner]

Well he whouldnt work within the UN Charter so thats not to be suprised about.

[@breeze5210]

@@Zretgul_timerunner UN are not fit for purpose

[@Zretgul_timerunner]

@@breeze5210 UN was fit for the purpose extremely such what they lacked was a unified mandate to do so the world abandoned rwanda or supported the genocide

[@Zretgul_timerunner]

@Mithilesh M And? As already stated the UN needs a mandate to send peacekeeping forces and then it needs nations willing to send said forces if you lack neither then rwandan genocides will happen.

[@Zretgul_timerunner]

@Mithilesh M the UN when done right have more then managed their jobs problem is that they generally arent done right instead they are tasked to solve issues way beyond what they as a coherent force are capable of and made to do.

[@theorrockpodcast]

He constantly has to explain what is impossible to explain. Africa. A continent of government greed and foreign interest

[@RSVPrr]

So is Europe

[@felixfranzen7318]

Amazingly he doesn't huh or TIA at the end of each sentence, as you would expect. Not once during the whole interview.

[@phyarth8082]

Brezhnev doctrine in eastern soviet satellites states was very clear.

[@andresweinman9995]

Queen Elizabeth took Buccaneers to finish with the Spanish armada etc etc(also mercenaries)😈

[@stewartw.9151]

QE1 also issued Letters of Marque to many "privateers" who had suitable warships to go after pirates in the Caribbean and anywhere else they could sail to. Those were also mercenaries in that they fought for booty which was the ship they captured and any treasure aboard and valuable goods etc. where the pirates had a base if they could take that as well.

[@louisduplessis7110]

Absolute gentleman and brilliant commander. He is on point with the nonsense the US causes everywhere

[@generalkago5361]

W How can one join such an outfit ??

[@staaldak]

They ask you, you don't ask them.

[@josephmacheke1172]

Does Ebernbalow recruit foreigners today?

[@karldrogo8736]

You wan join?😂 Abeg come carry me too oh.

[@josephmacheke1172]

Kkkkkkk you also want to be a part?

[@shanemartin2491]

I think if you knew half the truth - you would be shocked, disgusted, surprised and relieved in some measure or another.

[@mrrocrocmoney3924]

Julius Malema said it all and has been saying it for a long time ..Africa wake up and Unite