Local Security Arrangements in Greater Upper Nile: New report from the Small Arms Survey

The Small Arms Survey’s Human Security Baseline Assessment (HSBA) for Sudan and South Sudan is pleased to announce the release of a new Issue Brief: “Protective Measures: Local Security Arrangements in Greater Upper Nile”, now available for download:

http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/issue-briefs/HSBA-IB23-Local-security-arrangements-in-Greater-Upper-Nile.pdf

About this Issue Brief:

Local security arrangements (LSA) are a long-time feature in rural South Sudan, and they have a particularly strong presence in Greater Upper Nile due to the marked security gap—the inability of official state security forces to respond to the security needs of civilians. Local security concerns include persistent cattle raiding and militia group activity, as well as the effects of the long-term proliferation of weapons and ammunition.

This Issue Brief discusses the organization of LSAs in Greater Upper Nile and their impact on local security dynamics in the region, drawing on original research conducted in Mayom county in Unity, Uror county in Jonglei, and Fashoda county in Upper Nile prior to the outbreak of widespread conflict in Greater Upper Nile. The tradition of LSAs in these areas was a factor leading to the rapid mobilization of armed youths at the outset of the recent crisis.

In particular, this Issue Brief focuses on the complex ways in which LSAs reflect local security dynamics and cultural norms surrounding the role of youths in providing protection for their own communities. It describes the security environments in the case study areas, LSA structures and functions, and the impacts of the LSAs on security levels. In doing so, it considers state security policies and practices—including civilian disarmament campaigns—that influence LSA formation, as well some of the security dilemmas associated with LSAs.

“Protective Measures” is the 23rd Issue Brief published by the Small Arms Survey’s HSBA. All previous Issue Briefs are available for download in English and Arabic from:

http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/publications/issue-briefs.html

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For questions, comments on content, or feedback, contact:

Yodit Lemma
HSBA Project Coordinator
Small Arms Survey
yodit.lemma@smallarmssurvey.org

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About Post Author

PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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