The study wholly focuses on the impacts of Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation on the National Security and the Emergence of Unknown Gunmen in South Sudan. The country had been hit by strings of armed conflicts such as inter communal violence, target killings, assassinations, cattle raids, insurgency and rebellions, highway robberies etc. The socio-political and economic situation the country is going through is seen as a benefactor of the SALWS Proliferations aiding the prevalence of Unknown Gunmen.
The research however seeks to answer how? Where? Why? When? What are the causes of SALWS proliferation and their impact on the National Security; it examines the role of the National Army known as the South Sudan People’s Defence Force, the National Security Service and the Law Enforcement Organizations in the proliferations and how their failure to maintain law and order in the country had contributed to the emergence of Unknown Gunmen. It further explores the role played by political and tribal leaders especially in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, the ruling party in the country and across the country.
Nevertheless, it critically analyzes the political, social and economic impacts leading to the emergence of Unknown Gunmen and concludes that the lack of political-will by the leaders emanated in the socio-economic crumple, rampant corruption and tribalism in the government institutions and in the Armed Forces, National Security and Law Enforcement Agencies had played a greater role in the impediment of the rule of law which thereof resulted into rampant insecurity and sped up the emergence of Unknown Gunmen
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
IMPACT OF SMALL ARMS PROLIFERATION ON SOUTH SUDAN NATIONAL SECURITY
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Objective of the Study
1.5 Time Frame
1.6 Justification
1.7 Research Hypotheses
1.8 Definitions of Terms
1.9 Chapters Outline
1.10 Areas of Study
1.11 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Concept of SALWs Proliferation
2.3 Concept of Unknown Gunmen
2.4 Small Arms Proliferation in Eastern and Central Africa
2.5 Poor Recruitment
2.5.1 Tribal based Recruitment
2.5.2 Impractical Commissioning and Promotions
2.5.3 Poor Integration of Other Armed Groups (OAGs)
2.6 Armament and Militarization of Security Sector
2.6.1 Impact of Militarization
2.6.2 Lack of Arms Control
2.7 Poor Command and Control of Forces
2.7.1 Overlap of Duties in the Security Sector
2.7.2 Compromise in Duties within the Security Sector
2.7.3 Corrupt Deployment of Officers and Personnel
2.7.4 Failed Series Disarmament Exercise
2.7.5 Unascertained Parade of Forces
2.8 Corruption in the Security Sector
2.9 Continuous violations of Amnesty by the Other Armed Groups
2.10 The 2013 Intra SPLM War
2.10.1 Political Classes; Educated v. Uneducated in the SPLM
2.10.2 Assassinations
2.10.3 Induced Killings
2.11 Tribalism and Social Stratification
2.11.1 Tribalism
2.11.2 Social Stratification
2.12 Venomous Corruption in the Government
2.12.1 Breakdown of the Rule of Law
2.12.2 Loss of 4 Billions USD and the 75 Senior Government Officials involved
2.13 Influx of International Criminals and Mafia
2.14 Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Data Collection
3.4 Instrumentation
3.5 Informants (Sampling)
3.6 Data Analysis and Interpretation
3.7 Ethical Consideration
3.8 Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVES FINDINGS
4.1 Prologue
4.2 Upholding the Rule of Law
4.3 Compliance and Commitment to Treaties
4.4 SALWs Supply and Demand Dynamics
4.4.1 Supply Aspects of SALWs
4.4.2 Demand Aspects of SALWs
4.5 Hypotheses Testing
4.5.1Will to enforce the Rule of law
4.5.2 Bending the Rule of Law
4.6 Assessment of the Objectives
4.7 Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
5.4.1 Upholding the Rule of Law
5.4.2 Credible Disarmament, Demolition and Demobilization
5.4.3 Fair Recruitment and Regular Training in the Security Sector
5.4.4 Credible Screening and Downsizing the Security Sector
5.4.5 Augment of Command and Control (C2)
5.4.6 Proper Integration Process
5.4.7 Enactment of Anti-Discrimination and Sectarianism Law
5.4.8 Renaming Peace Commission to National, Peace Unity and Reconciliation
5.4.9 Establishment of National Strategic and Defense Board
5.4.10 Further Research
Objective and Research Focus
This study aims to investigate the impacts of the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) on national security in South Sudan, specifically focusing on the emergence of "Unknown Gunmen." The research addresses the underlying causes of this phenomenon, examining how socio-political instability, corruption, and failures within the security sector contribute to violence.
- The role of the security sector in the emergence of Unknown Gunmen.
- Political and tribal drivers of conflict and arms proliferation.
- The impact of corruption, poor governance, and the breakdown of the rule of law.
- Analysis of the 2013 Intra-SPLM War as a catalyst for insecurity.
- Policy recommendations for disarmament, security sector reform, and reconciliation.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3 Concept of Unknown Gunmen
Unknown gunmen; refers to men or women who secretly target individuals, killing them on political and economic drive or along tribal hatred either known or not known to the victims. However unknown gunmen on economic drive are those who for the purpose of winning bread take lives of others they spot having any little money or food stuff, they at times attack and kill without intention but fear of resistance and self-defense by the victim, such perpetrators are on hunger influence and do not possess any malice aforethought but a mere hunger necessity.
Unknown gunmen on political drive are those who for the sake of a political scandal cover up target individuals involved in the scandal or those that are feared to be on the stake of revelation of such scandal to the public, this is a type of killing with premeditated act, it is designed in a way that the victim is caught off sight at a site where nobody who can later on recognize the perpetrators is available, it is well planned and time. It is also killing of oppositions to subdue them from opposing the leadership or killing the supporters of the government to threaten them to abandon the support for the government and join rebellion; these are well and highly coordinated. This is carried out either by hired assassins or kinsmen of the said scandal monger or loyalists of either sides.
Moreover social stratification and tribal hegemony had given birth to Unknown Gunmen; socially there is a tribe that is targeted in order to dismantle its social bond on the perception that they are dominant and believed to be exterminators of the other tribes or that in their social fabric they appear to be more superior than the others, this has created hatred and hegemony leading to killings of individuals from the said tribes, i.e the Dinka in the whole of Equatoria are killed along the highways calling them ‘Budha Mafnua’ meaning illegal goods or ‘MTN’ means they are everywhere. This type of killing is grouped under the Unknown Gunmen because the victims do not identify their killers whereas their cause of action is always done on hit, run and hide but not by way of insurgency that pronounces its intention.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an introduction to the research, defining the scope and objectives regarding the impact of small arms proliferation on national security in South Sudan.
CHAPTER TWO: Offers an extensive literature review covering the history of the security sector, the impact of the 2013 war, and the socio-economic factors driving violence.
CHAPTER THREE: Outlines the research methodology, including the use of case studies, document analysis, and interviews with victims and convicts.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents a critical analysis of the research findings, focusing on the rule of law, treaty compliance, and the dynamics of arms supply and demand.
CHAPTER FIVE: Synthesizes the research conclusions and provides specific recommendations for security sector reform, disarmament, and national reconciliation.
Keywords
South Sudan, Small Arms and Light Weapons, Unknown Gunmen, National Security, SPLM, Rule of Law, Corruption, Tribalism, Militarization, Conflict, Disarmament, Security Sector Reform, Political Violence, Human Rights, Peacebuilding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research project?
The research investigates how the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has contributed to the rise of "Unknown Gunmen" in South Sudan and the resulting threat to national security.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the impact of the 2013 war, the role of corruption in state institutions, the influence of tribalism, and the systemic failure of the security sector.
What is the main objective or research question?
The main objective is to identify the root causes of the "Unknown Gunmen" phenomenon, examine how the security sector inadvertently aids this trend, and propose pathways for effective control and prevention.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The study employs qualitative research methods, specifically utilizing a case study approach and narrative analysis based on interviews with victims, convicts, and experts, alongside document analysis.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body explores the history of the SPLM, the militarization of the security sector, the integration of other armed groups, and the political/economic drivers behind the current violence.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is best characterized by terms such as Small Arms Proliferation, Unknown Gunmen, South Sudan, Rule of Law, Corruption, and Security Sector Reform.
How does the author define "Unknown Gunmen"?
The author defines them as individuals who secretly target others for economic, political, or tribal motives, typically operating via "hit-and-run" tactics to remain unidentified by their victims.
What role does the 2013 Intra-SPLM War play in the argument?
The author argues that the 2013 war serves as a critical turning point that led to the uncontrolled influx of weapons and the fragmentation of security forces into tribal-aligned factions.
How is the concept of "Shareocracy" linked to the conflict?
The author uses "Shareocracy" to describe a specific political culture in South Sudan where government positions are distributed based on tribal representation rather than merit, which fosters corruption and political instability.
- Quote paper
- Dennis Marial Muorwel Mayom (Author), 2019, Which Impact does Small Arms Proliferation Have on South Sudan's National Security?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/505822
