The proliferation of small arms and light weapons and security in South-Eastern Sudan and North-Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is one of the most lethal security threats that face Africa today. It sustains and escalates conflict and violence and undermines development. The literature about the proliferation of SALW has mostly concentrated on the supply side of the problem. There are works that focus on the nature and consequences, and those which focus on means of combat, control and eradication. Most governments positions rely on those theorizing, that led, as this study has shown to inadequate policies and strategies to deal with the root causes of the problem. The study aimed at examining the link between the proliferation of SALW and security in South-Eastern Sudan and North-Eastern Uganda. The main argument of the study is that, underdevelopment, inadequate state-building, lack of infrastructure, and socio-economic development, and marginalization have a direct link to insecurities associated with the proliferation of arms in the area. The relationship between SALW and insecurity is intertwined and is reciprocal. The study area comprises the counties of Torit, Ikotos, Budi, and Kapoeta South, in Eastern-Equatorial State, Southern Sudan, and the districts of Kitgum and Kotido in North-Eastern Uganda. Those areas are the ones which are mostly affected by the proliferation of SALW. The research undertook a case study design that was suitable in understanding and critically analyzing all elements of the proliferation of SALW. The study population comprised key informants and respondents in both Sudan and Uganda. The data was collected through questionnaires administered in the area of the study, together with focused group discussions and general observation. Secondary data was also referred-to especially as regards published works, official reports, periodicals, and newspapers. The data indicated that the proliferation of SALW is both a result of insecurity and a cause of it, thus affirming our main argument as to the intertwined and reciprocal nature of the relationship between SALW and insecurity. The study as such has attempted to fill the theoretical gap, and points to the inadequacies in relying mainly on the supply side of the problem. The importance that governments attach to the international and regional initiatives on SALW, also tended to slightly touch on the core elements of the problem. There is need, as the study recommends, for effective government commitment, in both countries to deal with the principal causes of the problem. They should develop short and long-term strategies to avert the backward and underdeveloped status of the areas concerned. At the regional and international levels, there is need for fundamentally linking the instruments of cooperation with comprehensive developmental strategies at all levels. Finally, need for government-sponsored research in various fields in the area.