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Masters Thesis | Social Studies | South Sudan | Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023 | Rating: 5 / 10

Factors Driving the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Rumbek Central, Republic of South Sudan

Kuyu John Alfred | Hadija Murenga | Wokabi Mwangi

Abstract: The proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons remains a challenge to security sector globally. The availability of these weapons influences political instability, communal conflict, posing a great threat to not only lives and property but also sustainable development. When South Sudan seceded in 2011, it was estimated that, there were up to 3.2 million of small arms in circulation and the two-thirds of these arms were thought to be in the hands of civilians. More arms circulated during the 2013 and 2016crisis that took place in the country. The objective of the study was to examine the factors that influence the proliferation of small arms in Rumbek Central, republic of South Sudan. A descriptive research design was adopted to answer questions needed in investigating the problem studied. Guided interview and focus group discussion were used to collect data from a total of 96 respondents that were identified using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The findings on the factors that influence the proliferation of small arms indicated that, 76% of the household adults in Rumbek acquired small arms to protect themselves and their property. Other demands for small arms such as revenge killing, cattle raiding, fight over grazing land aroused from lack of enough security to the people and their property. With this, the study recommended deployment of more security forces to the area experiencing insecurity to address the problem.

Keywords: implication, proliferation, small arms, security, Rumbek Central, South Sudan

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 8, August 2023,

Pages: 2169 - 2174