The successful completion and implementation of security sector governance reform is often undermined by confusion and competition within and between the intergovernmental organisations undertaking the reform processes. It is further hampered by a want of true local ownership and the lack of meaningful monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes. The paper identifies areas of competition and confusion which dilute the efforts of intergovernmental organisations to create democratic and effective security sectors. It suggests ways that this situation might be improved and how SSG related tasks can be better planned and applied in the Western Balkans and elsewhere.