Civilian Disarmament for Sustainable Peace and Development in South Sudan: Addressing Small Arms Proliferation at the Intersection of Security and Ethnicity

This study examined the complex issues surrounding civilian disarmament in South Sudan, with a focus on reducing small arms proliferation and promoting sustainable peace and development. The study's methodology was grounded in several theoretical frameworks, including the Security Dilemma Theory and Social Identity Theory. The Security Dilemma Theory posited that the accumulation of military capabilities, including small arms, by one group could create a sense of insecurity among other groups, leading to an arms race and increased tensions. The Social Identity Theory posited that individuals derived a sense of identity and belonging from their membership in social groups, which could lead to in-group favouritism and out-group bias. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative phases to gather data from 350 community members and conduct in-depth case studies of three communities. The study found that despite large-scale disarmament efforts, success rates remained low, with an estimated 1.9 million small arms in circulation, contributing to increased violence and insecurity, particularly in rural areas. The research highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders and community structures in promoting peace and development in South Sudan. Community-led disarmament initiatives, supported by the international community, were effective in reducing small arms proliferation and promoting security. However, the study noted that disarmament efforts had to be tailored to address the specific security concerns and needs of different ethnic groups, and that traditional leaders and community structures had to be involved in the disarmament process. The intersection of security and ethnicity was a critical factor in understanding the dynamics of small arms proliferation in South Sudan. The study found that ethnicity played a significant role in shaping security perceptions and behaviours, with different ethnic groups having different