bureau for community security and small arms control 2012 · small arms control activities. 1.2...

Republic of South Sudan Ministry of InteriorBureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

2012 ANNUAL REPORT

SECU

RITY AN

D SMALL AR MS CONTROL

SOUT

H SUDA

N BUREAU FOR COMMUNITY

S S B C S S A C

SECU

RITY AN

D SMALL ARMS CONTROL

SOUT

H SUDA

N BUREAU FOR COMMUNITY

S S B C S S A C

SECU

RITY AN

D SMALL ARMS CONTROLSO

UTH S

UDAN BUREAU FOR COMMUNITY

S S B C S S A C

2012 Annual Report | 3

ContentsAcronyms iii

Foreword iv

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Overview of Community Security in 2012 1

1.2 Background 2

1.2.1 Establishment of the Bureau 3

1.2.2 Roles of the Bureau 3

1.2.3 Vision 4

1.2.4 Mission 4

1.2.5 Objectives of the Bureau 4

1.2.6 Small Arms Control Strategy 5

1.3 Core Activities of the Work Plan 2012 5

2.0 Progress on Implementation and Major Achievements in 2012 6

2.1 Public Awareness Campaign on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control 6

2.1.1 Core Issues Tackled Through Public Awareness Campaign 6

2.1.2 Interventions Implemented by the Bureau to Justify Sensitization 7

2.1.3 Goal of Sensitization Campaign 7

2.1.4 Objectives of the Awareness Campaign 8

2.1.5 Focus of the Campaign in 2012 8

2.1.6 Key Achievements in 2012 on Public Awareness 8

2.1.7 Lessons Learnt from the Current Campaign 9

4 | Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

2.2 Development and Review of Small Arms Control Policy, Legislation and Regulations 10

2.2.1 Development of National Policy 10

2.2.2 Development of Legislation 12

2.2.3 Peaceful Civilian Disarmament and Community Based Policing 14

2.2.4 Livestock Patrol Unit 15

2.3 Physical Security and Stockpile Management 15

2.3.1 Achievements in the Areas of Stockpile Management 15

2.4 Extension of State Authority Through Implementation of Conflict Sensitive Development Projects 17

2.4.1 Snap shot of Conflict-Sensitive Development Projects Implemented 17

2.5 Capacity Building of the Bureau 19

2.6 Regional Engagement on Small and Light Weapons (SALWs) Behalf of South Sudan 19

2.6.1 Related Achievements 19

2.7 Coordination of Stakeholders Working on Community Security issues 20

3.0 Challenges 21

4.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 23

4.1 Conclusion 23

4.2 Recommendations 23

4.2.1 Recommendations to SSBCSSAC 23

4.2.2 Recommendations to Ministry of Interior 24

4.2.3 Recommendation to Development Partners 24


AMWG Arms and Ammunitions Working Group

ATT Arms Trade Treaty

BCSSAC Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

BICC Bonn International Centre for Conversion

CSSAC Community Security and Small Arms Control

CSOs Civil Society Organizations

CMSI Conflict Mitigation and Stabilization Initiative

DDR Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

HE His Excellency

IEC Information, Education and Communication

IPSTC International Peace Support Training Centre

NFPs National Focal Points

NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations

RECSA Regional Centre for Small Arms Control

RSS Republic of South Sudan

SALWs Small Arms and Light Weapons

SGBV Sexual and Gender Based Violence

SOPs Standard Operating Procedures

SPLA/M Sudan Peoples Liberation Army / Movement

SSNPS South Sudan National Police Service

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNMISS United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan

UNPoA United Nations Programme of Action on SALWs

Acronyms


The year 2012 witnessed the continued proliferation of small arms and light weapons amongst the civilians, posing a threat to community security and safety thus undermining the political stability and economic development of the country.

The Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control continued addressing these threats in 2012 by mobilizing and building bridges between communities and government. The Bureau initiated a number of new approaches – notably the interactive radio drama programmes on state owned radio stations and community outreach sensitizations in remote areas such as cattle camps and markets to highlight the danger of small arms and light weapons. The Bureau also continued to take forward the development of a legal framework to regulate the firearms use in the country. By the end of 2012, the Bureau had worked closely with the drafting committee appointed by the Minister of Interior through my recommendation to draft standard operating procedures / regulations on SALWs. This effort was made possible

Foreword


through generous technical and financial support of our development partners – UNDP, Saferworld and UNMISS.

A lot of progress was also made on ensuring effective representation of the country in regional and international policy legal framework discussions on SALWs. The Bureau partook in several conferences under the auspices of Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), UN Programme of Action on SALWs Control and the Arms Trade Treaty discussions and negotiations. This was again made possible by the generous contribution of donors through UNDP.

Like all government institutions in the country, the Bureau was negatively affected by austerity measures after the shutting down of oil. Funding of the operational and programme activities proved a significant challenge that had a big impact on our normal operations. As a result, some core positions could not be filled while some of the staff were not confirmed to their positions.

The above notwithstanding, the Bureau acknowledges the leadership support from the Minister of Interior, Deputy Minister of Interior and other government institutions that stood with it throughout the year including state governments. We also pay tribute to the valuable technical and financial contribution of our development partners in 2012.

We look forward to a unified collaboration with all the stakeholders in 2013 as we strive to achieve a secure and peaceful South Sudan

Dr. Riak Gok Majok,Acting ChairpersonBureau for Community Security and Small Arms ControlMinistry of InteriorRepublic of South Sudan


1.1 Overview Of Community Security in 2012

Following the independence of South Sudan on 9 July 2011, there was an overwhelming excitement and expectation for better lives, peace, physical security and development opportunities among the community members throughout the country. As time progressed, these hopes were overshadowed by widespread conflicts in different parts of the country especially Jonglei. The causes included – communal clashes, cattle raids,

child abduction, competition over water points and grazing areas, revenge attacks and rebels led by the late George Athor Deng and David Yau Yau. David Yau Yau was accused by Lou Nuer community of having distributed guns to the Murle youth, while George Athor Deng was believed to have given guns to Lou Nuer followers when he was still alive. In summary, Jonglei State witnessed an increase in civilian deaths after independence.

States of Wunlit triangle that consist of Lakes, Unity and Warrap also experienced

1.0 Introduction2012 was a challenging year for the Government of South Sudan due to the financial crisis resulting from the shutting down of oil and the subsequent tension along borders and in some border states. The oil shutdown forced the Government to come up with an austerity budget that significantly reduced the funding to all institutions including the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control. The Bureau activities were therefore significantly, reduced thus negatively affecting the deliverability of this vital institution. However, the Bureau with technical and financial support from its partners, UNDP, UNMISS, BICC, Saferworld and other international NGOs implemented most of the activities as detailed in the following pages.

This report covers an overview of the community security situation in the country, brief institutional background of the Bureau, its mandate and thematic areas, activities, the milestones achieved, and the challenges encountered. The report also has a section on recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of our work in 2013.


a great deal of insecurity. For example, raids and counter raids continued to occur among the communities of the three states. It was evident that disarmament registered less success in reducing conflicts among the communities. Therefore, deeper diagnoses as to why people are resisting the disarmament should continue and correct remedy need to be prescribed.

The Lords Resistance Army, a rebel group originating from Uganda, has emerged as one of the most brutal armed groups committing human rights violations including murder, rape multination, abduction of children and sexual slavery and looting of villages. The group terrorized parts of Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal states. However, it was pushed out of South Sudan in late 2011 and 2012 with the help of the SPLA, Arrow Boys, and Uganda Defense Forces, in addition to the logistical support from about 100 Military advisors from the United States. Currently, the communities are enjoying relative peace.

In response to the above, the Bureau through its community policing approach facilitated processes leading to the establishment of community policing. Such initiatives, for instance, saw the Governor of Jonglei directing the commissioners to recruit 40 youth from every boma in each of the ten states of South Sudan for community police

force. The community police are community members armed to protect their communities in the absence of law enforcement organs. The community policing programme was also adopted in Warrap. The Bureau however notes that though it promotes the concept of community policing, the initiative should be handled with care because young people can easily abuse it by misusing the guns, leading to additional problems.

Although the country is still experiencing widespread insecurity, the hope is that different stakeholders are coming closer as they realize the importance of coordinating small arms control activities.

1.2 Background

The Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control (BCSSAC) was established in November 2007 as part of a complimentary mechanism to the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process. The Bureau is an independent government body and operates under the Ministry of Interior. It has presence in all the ten states of South Sudan and is tasked to carry its core mandate with the following focus:


1) Promoting and coordinating community security and small arms control, and to engage with regional and international counterparts on small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation control within the framework of regional and international legal instruments;

2) Contribute to the improvement of community security (through a Human Security framework);

3) Address the threat to security, peace, and development posed by civilian possession of small arms and light weapons;

4) Promote coordination, responses and policies to improve the role of human and community security through development of policy and legislation on small arms control for the Republic of South Sudan; and

5) Promotion of peaceful and voluntary civilian disarmament.

1.2.1 Establishment of the Bureau

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the SPLM and the Government of Sudan signed in Nairobi in 2005 ended more than two decades of civil war in South Sudan. However, there are immense challenges associated with its implementation. Key among them is the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which are used in inter-communal conflicts, cattle rustling, abduction, robbery and other crimes throughout the states and counties of South Sudan.

Addressing the widespread possession of small arms by civilians, and the insecurity associated with their misuse is a daunting, complex and challenging task because years of war have militarized communities and created a culture of holding illegal weapons and of using violence to settle disputes. The Government of South Sudan has recognized the risk of uncontrolled small arms to people, peace and development and has been trying to address these issues earnestly. Finding solutions to this complex set of challenges led to the establishment of the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control as a national coordinating body mandated to coordinate all issues related to community security and control of small arms.


1.2.2 Roles of the Bureau

1) To coordinate national policy and action to tackle the problem of SALW.

2) To coordinate and oversee the implementation of national, regional and international instruments and activities to control the misuse and proliferation of SALW.

3) Liaising with NFPs in the region as well as relevant regional institutions to ensure that implementation and activities of small arms control within the framework of the UN programme of Action are coordinated and harmonized across the region.

4) To coordinate and support the efforts of relevant line ministries, commissions, and law enforcement agencies rather than duplicating their functions.

1.2.3 Vision

A secure and peaceful South Sudan in which communities are free from the harmful impact of small arms, and protected from threats to their security and are able to develop their livelihoods.

1.2.4 Mission

The Bureau’s mission is to address the threat posed by the proliferation of small arms and community insecurity to peace and development in South Sudan according to its mandate. The Bureau works to achieve this by:

1) Mobilizing, consolidating and building bridges between communities, Government at all levels and law enforcement agencies that are tasked to carry out peaceful and voluntary civilian disarmament.

2) Advocating and leading the efforts on the formulation of small arms control policies, legislations and regulations.


3) Facilitating the Government’s solutions to address the root causes of community insecurity, through development, rule of law and peacebuilding measures.

1.2.5 Objectives of the Bureau

The Bureau objectives are:

1) Raising awareness, sensitizing and disseminating information on SALW issues at all levels.

2) Lead and coordinate the development and review of South Sudan’s SALW policies, mechanism and laws.

3) Peaceful civilian disarmament and community based policing.

4) Stockpile management.

5) Act as the GoSS focal point in liaising with national, regional and international institutions.

6) Strengthen information sharing and cooperation on Small Arms issues nationally, regionally and internationally.

7) Facilitate civil society and community involvement in developing and implementing strategies to address CSSAC concerns.

8) Enhance the capacity of government, law enforcement agencies, civil society and the public to address CSSAC priorities.

1.2.6 Small Arms Control Strategy

The Bureau strategy focuses on three key areas which include:

1) Control and management of existing stock of small arms and light weapons.

2) Reduction of the volume of Small Arms and Light weapons already in circulation. (Although the exact figures are not available but the rough estimate of 2007 indicated that there is between 1.9 to 3.2 million SALWs circulating in South Sudan. Two-thirds of these weapons are in the hands of civilians or outside Government control).


3) Prevention of future proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (prevention of illicit arms to filter into small arms markets).

1.2.7 Core Activities of the Work plan 2012

1) Initiate awareness raising programmes, sensitizing and disseminating of information on small arms issues at national, state and local levels.

2) Lead coordination of the development and review of South Sudan’s small arms control polices, mechanism and laws.

3) Facilitate peaceful civilian disarmament and community based policing processes.

4) Facilitate marking of arms and recording stockpile management initiative programmes.

5) Lead the development of organizational capacity building, both soft and hardware.


2.1 Public Awareness Campaign On Small Arms And Light Weapons Control

By the end of 2011, the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control with technical and financial support from UNDP and other partners (Saferworld and UNMISS) had developed a comprehensive public information strategy. The objective of the strategy was to address community security issues and control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons through accurate and timely information delivery and sharing, using a unified front in every communication and messaging whether written or oral.

The strategy identified indicative messages and channels needed to enable the Bureau to design a comprehensive behaviour change communication campaign /programme for the different stakeholders - government and traditional leaders, organised forces, civil society organizations and community members especially women, and youth in cattle camps etc. In 2012, the campaign

focused on increasing knowledge, stimulate dialogue, positively changing perceptions, attitudes and fostering positive practices on ownership and use of firearms in South Sudan. The attainment of this was envisaged through education and entertainment packaged through interactive sessions of music, drama, community outreach programming using the peace caravans following market calendar days in different remote areas especially counties, payams and bomas of South Sudan.

2.1.1 Core Issues Tackled Through Public Awareness Campaign

Recent research reveals that while many armed communities within South Sudan have clearly indicated that they are willing to disarm, many are emphatic that they will not do so unless other groups also disarm and unless they have security and development guarantees. The communities need to feel they will be protected better than they currently can protect themselves before they will voluntarily disarm. Consequently, in most parts of South Sudan:

2.0 Progress on Implementation and Major Achievements in 2012


pp Illicit arms are still in the hands of the civilian populations and communities are using these arms against each other.

pp Communal loyalty as opposed to nationalism exists and is an impediment to peace and security.

pp Capacities and capabilities of the law enforcement agencies requires continuous enhancement to respond effectively to community insecurity issues.

pp Rampant misuse of small arms and light weapons to resolve conflicts is hindering development.

pp Gun cow culture is still cherished among pastoralist communities and is seen as source of livelihood and social up grading.

pp Guns are used to acquire cattle to pay exorbitant bride price.


pp Less successful disarmament initiatives in the past where collected guns very often seem to find their way back into the community.

pp Lack of a regulatory framework on SALWs in the country.

pp Lack of standard storage facilities.

2.1.2 Interventions Implemented by the Bureau to Justify Sensitization

pp A policy and legislation framework to regulate the ownership and use of firearms is in the offing.

pp Support to community dialogue and consultations to identify triggers of insecurity and possible solutions.

pp Implementation of conflict sensitive projects at community level like construction of security roads, water haffiris, boreholes /water yards and agricultural projects.

pp Extension of state authority to remote areas through construction of police posts and deployment of personnel.

pp Conflict transformation trainings and recruitment of community peace cadres.

pp Government constituency develop-ment plan.

pp Peace initiative through South Sudan Council of Churches and initiatives under the Republic of South Sudan Presidency.

pp Interactive radio programme on community security in all the states of South Sudan.

2.1.3 Goal of Sensitization Campaign

The goal is to put in place a sustained long-term campaign that increases knowledge, stimulates community dialogue, positively changes perceptions, attitudes and fosters positive practices on ownership and use of firearms in South Sudan.

2.1.4 Objectives of the Awareness Campaign

pp To increase knowledge, stimulate community dialogue, positive perception, attitudes and foster positive practices, and embrace alternative livelihood and peace.


pp To create awareness /demand for policies and laws on SALWs control and civilian disarmament.

pp Conduct a country-wide distribution of IEC materials in local languages in order to increase knowledge and change attitude of community members.

pp To create a platform for expert panelists in each state to foster dialogue among the different stakeholders through interactive discussions on radio on topical issues affecting the community.

2.1.5 Focus of the Campaign in 2012

pp An interactive and educational radio drama series on topical issues - community security, dangers of small arms, development, SGBV etc.

pp Procuring and distribution of IEC materials to the community members, schools and relevant stakeholders.

pp Media coverage of the activities.

2.1.6 Key Achievements in 2012 on Public Awareness

The Bureau implemented interactive radio drama programmes in eight states namely, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria. UNDP South Sudan provided both support to ensure the community interactive radio programme was implemented.

After the launching of the community interactive radio in the above mentioned States, the visibility of the Bureau has been enhanced and its importance to coordinate disarmament processes recognized. More specifically:

pp 40 drama episodes for radio (20 each in English and Arabic) have been recorded and cleared by the Internal National Security Bureau. The interactive radio programmme, which allows for panel discussions and community ‘call-ins’ through toll-free lines, is being broadcast from state government-owned radio stations, which has increased state ownership of the programme and resulted in greater leadership in implementation.


pp The interactive radio programmes covered nine out of ten states, with 136 radio programmes aired in 2012, reaching approximately 50 of South Sudan’s 79 counties. Solar powered radios will be distributed to communities where radio coverage is available but where listenership may be hampered due to non-availability of radios. A drama firm has been selected and the project will be launched in first quarter of 2013, while it is still the dry season. Otherwise, in the rainy season, the roads become inaccessible constricting movement.

2.1.7 Lessons Learnt from the Current Campaign

pp The radio coverage in South Sudan is limited to few areas, thus many communities are not served.

pp Previous efforts have not reached those in need, especially the youth in the cattle camps and women in the markets.

pp The focus has been the hardware component of security such as construction of police posts, but there is need to focus on the software aspects like utilization and mindset change through sensitization.


pp Less effort has been put to challenge the cultural practices that inform actions like dowry and cattle raiding, tribal loyalty and resolving conflicts with guns.

pp Previous efforts relied majorly on one methodology – workshops. They were thus more theoretical than practical and therefore not very relevant to the context.

pp The campaign was discriminative as the workshops were conducted in English, yet the problem lies with illiterate community members.

pp It was spontaneous and reactive to presumed situations and had no follow up programmes.

pp There was no M&E component to track the effectiveness of the sensitization programme.

pp The programmes had very short timeframes for preparation, therefore, they could not be widely publicized. This resulted in low audience listening to the programmes. .

pp Less involvement of core stakeholders especially the traditional leaders and state authority.

2.2 Lead coordination of the development and review of Small Arms Control Policy, Legislation and Regulations

2.2.1 Development of National Policy

Most of the existing laws on small arms and light weapons in South Sudan are not responsive to current challenges posed by proliferation and easy availability of fire arms. Moreover, they are scattered in different laws relating to fire arms, explosives and ammunition.

These laws need to be revised to address the current and emerging issues relating to illicit trade and proliferation of small arms and light weapons. In addition, they need to be harmonized in accordance with the provisions of the legally binding Nairobi Protocol to ensure that they are coherent, consistent and respond more adequately to the challenges of SALWs.

Against this brief background the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control has been established and mandated by the Government of South Sudan to oversee the development of the policy, legislation and regulation on SALWs control.


In exercise to its mandate, the Bureau, in collaboration with Saferworld, held a consultative workshop on 21 – 22 February 2011, with a view of developing SALWs policy. In the workshop the participants made recommendations on the way forward and agreed on an action plan.

One of the key recommendations is to set up a drafting committee to spearhead the development of the national policy on SALWs. The committee was established which comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Justice, SPLA, SSNPS, national security and CSOs, under the supervision of the Bureau.

The drafting committees through technical support of legal consultant from South Africa and financial support from Saferworld, has drafted a national policy on small arms and light weapons which prescribes measures and makes recommendations.

In developing the draft national policy, the team surveyed the laws in force within South Sudan such as the Code of Criminal Procedure Act 2008, Penal Code Act 2008, SPLA Act 2009, and SSNPS Act 2009. In addition, international and regional instruments such as the UN programme of Action, the Bamako Declaration, the Nairobi Declaration, the Nairobi Protocol and the Best Practice

Guidelines on Practical Disarmament are to be coordinated by the Bureau with support from its international partners.

The draft policy has been circulated to stakeholders in the ten states of South Sudan for their inputs and comments in order to enrich and enable local ownership.

The Ministry of Interior submitted the final draft policy document to the cabinet, which has forwarded it to the Parliament for debate. Once adopted by the Parliament, it will be disseminated to wider public to raise awareness.

The policy covered three primary areas that will reverse and prevent the continued proliferation of firearms:

pp Regulating licit and preventing illicit movements of firearms across the national borders of South Sudan.

pp Preventing licit stocks inside South Sudan - whether these are firearms in possession of law enforcement agencies or civilians - from becoming illicit.

pp Removing the existing stock of illicit firearms within the national territory of South Sudan.


2.2.2 Development of Legislation

Based on the policy, the drafting committee for legislation was set up. The committee drafted legislation on SALWs. The bill seeking to repeal the 1936 Sudan firearms Act has been submitted to the Minister of Interior awaiting government approval. Currently, we are in the process of drafting the firearms regulations.

2.2.2.1 Purpose of Control Bill

The purpose of the bill is to:

pp Address the threats posed by proliferation of small arms and light weapons to stability, human security and development.

pp To control the possession of small arms and light weapons by civilians.

pp To ensure physical removal of state owned small arms and light weapons from civilian hands.

pp To provide for creation of administrative structures to regulate the possession of small arms by civilians.

2.2.2.2 Primary Areas Covered by the Bill

pp Regulating licit and preventing illicit movements of firearms across the national borders of South Sudan

p§ Under this area, the bill introduces legislative controls over licit import, export, transit, and transfer of firearms. p§ On the illicit side, exchange of information and information sharing with neighbouring states. p§ The capacitating of law enforcement agencies to prevent the illicit movement of firearms across the border.

pp Preventing licit stocks inside South Sudan - whether these are firearms in possession of law enforcement agencies or civilians - from becoming illicit

p§ Under this area, the bill introduces the creation of three databases of all firearms, by ensuring correct marking of firearms and record-keeping of firearm details. p§ Proper stockpile management. p§ Safe storage facilities.

pp Removing from society the existing stock of illicit firearms within the national territory of South Sudan


p§ Here the bill covers collection programmes.p§ Extensive public education and awareness raising programmes.p§ Destruction and Disposal of SALWs where possible. p§ Effective policing will also contribute to the recovery of illegal firearms.

pp Creation of administrative structures to regulate the possession of small arms by civilians

p§ Here the bill establishes Central Registry of SALWs to record all SALWs in possession of civilians and other organized forces except the Military and National Security.p§ Establishment of a body known as the NFP on SALWs situated within the Bureaup§ State Focal Points on SALWs,p§ County Focal Point on SALWs.p§ Designated SALWs Officers.

During the period under consideration, the Bureau registered the following achievements:

pp Three regional conferences were convened, one in each of South Sudan’s Greater Regions, in order to solicit input and create ownership from states, counties and communities, where the legislation

will be implemented. These inputs were incorporated by the drafting committee into the draft legislation.

pp Three drafting committee retreats were conducted in Juba, Rumbek and Entebbe to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Firearms Bill and a draft regulations document that was submitted to the Minister of Interior. The drafting process involved key stakeholders including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, SSPS, Prisons, SPLA and National Security.

pp Through UNDP’s coordination support, the Bureau has developed partnerships and collaborated with key actors such as UNMISS, in the development of software and database for stockpile management and provision of five gun-marking machines; Bonn International Centre for Conversion (BICC) in support of the legislation process, particularly on stock pile management; and the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) to provide one additional gun-marking machine. The development of database has to be initiated by computer engineers within organized forces to avoid any security risk.


2.2.3 Peaceful Civilian Disarmament and Community Based Policing

In this regard, the South Sudan Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control with the support of UNDP, conducted consultation exercises in 55 Counties of Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Unity, Upper Nile and Warrap States. The purpose of the consultations was to identify community conflict sensitive projects that needed to be implemented to enhance insecurity reduction in the country. They project delivered are: boreholes, computers, HF and VHF Radios, office construction, tables, chairs, police posts, vehicles, trucks, speed boats, Thuraya phones, tractors, tents, and solar radios.

2.2.4 Livestock Patrol Unit

The Livestock Patrol unit is a police unit responsible for protecting communities from cattle raiders. The unit is based in Malou Boma of Bor South County in Jonglei State. It is a pilot project that can be extended to other states in the coming years. The beneficiaries of this unique project seem to appreciate the establishment of the Livestock Patrol Unit, as it has significantly reduced the cattle raiding incidences in their villages. The engagement of the Bureau with its regional counterparts from Burundi and Uganda made it possible to

adapt this innovative initative aimed at cattle raiding management.

2.3 Physical Security and Stockpile Management

In its mandate approved by the Council of Ministers on 31 October 31 2008, the Bureau is also tasked to coordinate the following activities in the areas of stockpile management:

1. Contribute to the development of logistics, operational, policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting system.

2. Assess and document the condition of arms and ammunition storage facilities.

3. Seek the support of international partners for an interim solution to lack of storage facilities.

4. Coordinate capacity building initiatives on arms and ammunition management.

5. Support the national and international led processes for permanent armory structure.


2.3.1 Achievements in the Areas of Stockpile Management

The Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control facilitated activities which support the Organized Forces in South Sudan to improve their approaches and practices, infrastructure, and rules and regulations regarding stockpile management systems.

Marking and Registration of Small Arms and Light Weapons

Preparation for the arrival of marking and registration kits was a key activity with the help from UNMISS. The aim is to set up a comprehensive marking and registration system including the establishment of a database for civilian and government held small arms and light weapons. The marking shall start as soon as the required process of database establishment is completed. UNMISS has contracted the Forensic Authentication of Commodities Track and Trace Ltd. (FACTT), a South African Company to provide five gun marking machines and establish a database. It is to be noted that 47,000 guns were marked in South Sudan from 2011 – 2012 to enable tracing for any lost gun. This was made possible through the support provided by RECSA. The Bureau notes that South Sudan is ahead of many countries in the sub-region in terms of implementation and adherence to the best guideline on practical disarmament.

High Level Conference on Stockpile Management

In April 2012, a High Level Conference was held to discuss the challenges of stockpile management in the Organized Forces. H.E. Dr. Riek Machar, Vice President, attended it along with H.E. Deputy Minister of Interior, Hon. German Ambassador and the leadership of all Organized Forces. Stockpile management was declared a government priority as it contributes considerably to reducing illegal circulation of small arms among the communities. The Conference was funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and facilitated by two officers from the German Armed Forces.

Arms and Ammunition Management Working Group

As recommended in the High Level Conference, the Arms and Ammunition Management Working Group (AMWG) was formed with; each of the Organized Forces entity requested to nominate an officer to act as a Focal Point in AMWG. The Working Group is tasked to improve the stockpile management system in the Organized Forces. The members of AMWG met several times last year to exchange views on how best address the issue of stockpile management system efficiently.. The challenge that AMWG continually faces is capacity and funding gaps. The Bureau and its partners sent members


of AMWG and one staff from South Sudan Bureau to attend one-week training on stockpile management at the International Peace Support Training Center (IPSTC) in Nairobi, Kenya. The training was funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Office.

Besides the High Level Conference, the Bureau conducted several workshops with each of the Organized Forces to further discuss stockpile management challenges. The German Foreign Office through BICC supported the project. The capacity building of the Organized Forces through trainings and workshops will continue at both national and state levels.

Improvement of Storage Facilities

The Wildlife Service started to improve their store at their headquarters in Juba. Improvement activities are expected to gain momentum in 2013. The implementation of “low cost and high value measures” will be a key activity for 2013 in the Organized Forces. The project can be implemented by the Organized Forces without much money as many improvements are process related. Examples comprise tidying up stores, building fences, improving roofs, windows and doors; improving guarding systems, improving internal store organization and bookkeeping as well as key control. Advanced containerized storage modules have been proposed as interim solutions for stockpiles management.

UNMISS has installed a pilot module at the SPLA Engineering headquarters consisting of three containers, with one container for explosive storage.

The Bureau hopes that donors will support the Organized Forces with the concrete improvement of stockpile management in 2013 and beyond, as this is a national priority that is of significant importance for stability in the country.

2.4 Extension of State Authority through Implementation of Conflict Sensitive Development Projects

The Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control in conjunction with its key development partner – UNDP continued to work closely with the state governments across South Sudan in 2012 to implement conflict sensitive development projects at community level. The Bureau has, over the years, led community consultations in Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap and Lakes states to discuss with community members – youth, women, elders and law enforcement agencies the causes of insecurity and possible means through which these conflicts can be mitigated. Based on the recommendations of the community members, a thorough conflict mapping analysis has


been undertaken in these states and corrective measures implemented.

However, it is important to note that owing to the limited resource envelop, the Bureau and UNDP have only implemented one out of the many projects identified by the community members in a given area. The Bureau has documented and produced state specific reports indicating what needs to be done in the respective counties. All these initiatives are aimed at extending and strengthening state authority and to enhance its presence at community level to ensure a secure and peaceful environment that paves way for development initiatives across the country.

2.4.1 Snap Shot of Conflict Sensitive Development Projects Implemented

See page 27.

2.5 Capacity Building of the Bureau

For 2012, two staff members attained training of Managing Transitional Period, and two people trained in Conflict Analysis and Mediation, both Sponsored by ACCORD.

UNDP sponsored four Bureau staff to be trained in Liberia on community outreach and community radio programming. The training culminated in successful launching of interactive radio programmes in eight states in 2012.

Two of the Bureau staff members participated in the UN Conference on Small Arms, New York, in which the delegates briefed the UN Member States on the progress made by South Sudan in combating the small arms and light weapons problem. In addition, South Sudan also presented a country report on Small Arms and Lights Weapons to the UN Programme of Acton on SALW, which was highly appreciated.

Lastly, an annual planning workshop that brought together 35 staff members of the Bureau was conducted in December 2012. This workshop culminated in the production of the 2013 Annual Activities and Budget Plan.

2.6 Regional Engagement on SALWs on behalf of South Sudan

The Bureau is recognized as an integral part of the government of the Republic of South Sudan and is regularly involved in and consulted on areas related to its mandate, especially at the state-level.


Western Bahr el Ghazal

Northern Bahr el Ghazal

Warrap

Abyei

Lakes

Unity

Upper Nile

Jonglei

Eastern EquatoriaWestern Equatoria

Central Equatoria

LakesOngoing: 11 police posts; 1 prison; 16 boreholes - all substantially completed

UnityOngoing: 4 food security projects; clearing of Guit canal; 9 boreholes and 4 police posts

Central EquatoriaCompleted:1 police postOngoing: defect rectification and monitoring

Upper NileCompleted: 8 police posts; 6 food security projects;Ongoing: monitoring and institutional support to establish implementation modalities for tractor through State Ministry of Agriculture; monitoring and institutional support to SSPS in county police posts

Eastern EquatoriaCompleted: 18 police posts; 15 boreholes; 1 juvenile prison ward; 2 food security projects.Ongoing: Monitoring and institutional support to SSPS; institutional support State Ministry for Gender and Agriculture on tractor use

JongleiCompleted: 11 police posts; 1 Livestock Patrol Unit (LPU); 3 remand cells; 3 ‘peace centers’; 3 community centers; 1 food security project; 1 schoolOngoing: Upgrades to existing LPU; 11 food security projects; defects rectification and ongoing monitoring

Western Bahr el Ghazal

Northern Bahr el Ghazal

Warrap

Abyei

Lakes

Unity

Upper Nile

Jonglei

Eastern EquatoriaWestern Equatoria

Central Equatoria

WarrapOngoing: 3 Police posts; 30 water points; local government office renovation - nearly all substantially completed


2.6.1 Related Achievements

pp Engagement with international and regional arms control regimes continued, including provision of additional gun-marking machines from RECSA. UNDP also supported South Sudan to be represented at the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms in New York, as well as at the discussions on stockpile management with a South African firm.

pp In addition, the Bureau continued participating in the RECSA organized engagements aimed at fostering a joint approach to the implementation of regional arms reduction.

pp The Bureau represented South Sudan in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) negotiations in Nairobi that sought to rally and build consensus on the common position to be adopted by African countries during the final conference on ATT in New York in 2013.

2.7 Coordination of Stakeholders working on Community Security Issues

Throughout 2012, the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control focused on harnessing and rallying all partners working in

the field of community security to harmonize their work approaches, areas of intervention, scope of work, areas served and lessons learnt from the implementation process. The Bureau also revitalized national-level coordination meetings with partners working in the community security and arms control sector, hosting five national coordination meetings during the year. Similar coordination meetings took place at state-level through State Steering Committees.

The Bureau worked with the following partners in 2012:

Saferworld, Danish Demining Group, Mine Action Group, UNMISS, UNDP, CMSI, and BICC.

Most of the issues that came up from these meetings include:

pp Sharing of best practices on civilian disarmament.

pp Identification of areas under-served by the respective states.

pp Joint implementation of activities including field monitoring missions.

pp Development of a comprehensive annual work plan for 2013, reflecting all the core programmatic areas of the Bureau.


This section of the report highlights the major challenges that the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control faced in 2012. These challenges were both internal – relating to the capacity gaps of the Bureau, and external – relating to factors beyond the direct control of the Bureau.

3.0 Challenges

Financial Challenges: § Inadequate budget to fund the activities of the Bureau. § The Bureau does not receive budget allocation to support its operational costs. § No budget to finance support staff that are not on the nominal payroll. § All UNDP financial support is channeled directly to project activities

and no funds come to Bureau account. § No funds to buy office generator, fuel, stationery and other office supplies.

Administrative Challenges: § Low staff capacity – they need training. § Caveat by the Ministry of Public Service on staff recruitment has affected

the operational capacity of the Bureau, as key positions remain vacant. § Delay to appoint Head of the Bureau has had a negative impact on the

Bureau functioning. § Lack of permanent office space.

Mobility Challenges: § Lack of means of transport – the Bureau lacks vehicles at headquarters

and at state levels to coordinate the activities. This is affecting performance as well as activities.

INT

ER

NA

L

§ Austerity budget that resulted from shutting of oil. § Limited funding. § Insecurity in most parts of the country, creating difficulties to implement

conflict sensitive development projects. § Reliance on partner support programme activities , forcing the Bureau to

work according to their fiscal year – January to December. § Partner funds are always remitted late due to their internal bureaucracy.E

XT

ER

NA

L

CHALLENGES


4.1 ConclusionsDespite the financial difficulties encountered by the new nation, the Bureau, with the help of UNDP, Saferworld, and BICC, was able to conduct activities to raise community awareness on community security issues through interactive radio programmes. The Bureau also conducted county consultations with the aims of identifying conflict sensitive projects. This resulted in the provision of communication equipment to enhance effective coordination, as well as supporting youth with block making machines in order to generate their own income etc.

The Bureau also initiated and facilitated the drafting of small arms and light weapons bills, and regulation of firearms with support from UNDP, Saferworld and UNMISS.

The Bureau also wishes to clarify the wrong perception that seems to suggest that we receive substantial funds from UNDP on annual basis. We need to emphasize that the funds are directly allocated to project / programme activities implemented at state level, though it is often reflected in the Bureau budget. The Bureau, therefore, appeals to the government to increase its budgetary allocation to enable the Bureau to fulfill its mandate.

4.2 Recommendations

4.2.1 Recommendations to SSBCSSAC

In a bid to streamline operations and ensure coordinated implementation of activities in 2013, the Bureau engaged in intensive and participatory discussions that resulted into the development of a comprehensive annual work plan, urging the BCSSAC:

1. To ensure timely implementation of the training needs of the staff that will boost their capacity to deliver core government services to the community members. Areas of training include - financial management, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, reporting skills, and community outreach programming.

2. Improve on the stockpile management systems by focusing on the development of data bases using an agreed software that is South Sudan context specific.

3. Roll out the community outreach programming sessions through mobile interactive theatre drama in rural markets and cattle camps of South Sudan.

4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations


4. The Bureau should work closely with the state leadership to ensure effective and continued implementation of the interactive radio programmes aired on state based radio stations.

4.2.2 Recommendations to Ministry of Interior

1. We request Hon. Minister of Interior to continue pushing and imploring with the Council of Ministers and Legislative Assembly to ensure that the bill is passed.

2. While the Bureau acknowledges the leading role played by of the Ministry of Interior in guiding the regulations formulation process, we urge the Ministry to continue providing leadership support for all processes to ensure all agreed activities are achieved.

3. We recommend that the Ministry continues to lobby on behalf of SSBCSSAC for an increment of its budget allocation in order to enable it to fulfill its mandate successfully.

4. South Sudan has to meet its financial obligations to RECSA.

5. We recommend the leadership of the Ministry of Interior to work with the relevant office to ensure an appointment of the head of the Bureau. This will enable the official appointed to have full

and unquestioned mandate to execute the Bureau programmes.

4.2.3 Recommendation to Development Partners

1. The need for a coordinated approach to the implementation of community security activities remains critical and has to be sustained in 2013.

2. In view of continued austerity, we recommend that our partners continue supporting the Bureau in terms of the implementation of the annual work plan.

3. We also recommend that our partners continue supporting the Bureau in terms of capacity building in order to enhance the capacity of the national personnel as a long term strategy to develop a cadre of well trained personnel to ensure sustainability.

4. We appreciate the continued coordination at national level but we also recommend that this coordination should be extended to the Bureau offices at the state level in order to ensure that the Bureau remains in lead on all aspects of community security even at state level.

SECU

RITY AN

D SMALL ARMS CONTROLSO

UTH S

UDAN BUREAU FOR COMMUNITY

S S B C S S A C

Published bySouth Sudan Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

September 2013

bureau for community security and small arms control 2012 · small arms control activities. 1.2...

Documents