A “twin track” process of law enforcement and tackling the roots of paramilitarism is needed in Northern Ireland, as well as a “group transition” process for them to leave the stage, a report has said.
The Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) has reiterated its call to the UK and Irish governments to appoint an independent person to scope out what a formal process of engagement and group transition might look like.
“We welcome the progress being made by the two governments towards implementing our recommendation to appoint an independent person who would scope out what a possible formal process of engagement and group transition might look like,” they said.
“In 2024, we have seen shifting dynamics within both republican and loyalist paramilitary groups, including changes in leadership, reported splits, speculation about possible feuds, ongoing questions about whether actions were sanctioned by paramilitary leaders, various interpretations of larger gatherings of people and increasing interactions with organised crime.
The commissioners have also emphasised the need for a “twin track” approach of tackling paramilitarism as well as a formal process of group transition.
