Security in South Sudan: a view from the ground

Ever since South Sudan’s independence two years ago, international attention has unsurprisingly focused on its tense relationship with Sudan to the north. However, it remains critical that the breadth of day-to-day security threats facing communities continue to stay in focus.

Tensions and accusations between Khartoum and Juba over oil exports and support for rebel groups have been a constant feature in the first two years of South Sudan’s independence, topping the headlines. It is not hard to see why – oil exports account for 98% of South Sudan’s government revenues (which is crippling when they stop), while accusations in both directions over rebel support threaten the fragile peace between Sudan and its neighbour to the north.  

However, recent research by Saferworld in Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal remind us again of the complexity of challenges that communities in South Sudan face. When asked about the most serious problems they faced, most people in our study cited lack of clean water, healthcare facilities and accessible schools as their main worries. Pressed on their security concerns people talked about cattle raiding, dowry disputes and violent crime, rather than fears of conflict sparked by tensions with Sudan.

One positive development which has the potential to begin addressing the insecurity that people face in their everyday lives is the adoption by the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) of a community-focused approach to policing. This has been incorporated into the 2009 Policing Act, as well as new draft police Standard Operating Procedures and an upcoming draft community policing policy.

The commitment of the Inspector General of Police to a police reform process that aims to build trust and better relationships between the police and the communities they serve is extremely welcome. This new approach puts communities at the centre of the police’s work and will require the police to listen and respond to the concerns of the public, and to be held accountable to civilian oversight mechanisms. To be sure the process of reforming a police service made up of former rebel fighters who have had little or no training in democratic policing – and which operates on next to no resources – will take many years. But the will is there at the highest levels, and with the support of the international community this new direction for the SSNPS is starting to trickle down to some local communities.

Saferworld has been working with communities in Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal States to promote and support this reform process. Our research clearly shows that the public look to the police as the primary security provider in their communities, while recognising their shortcomings. However, citizens often don’t understand the role the police is supposed to play and how they are supposed to operate. It is often the case that the police are not clear about this either. Building trust, understanding and open channels of communication between the police and the community is critical to help both sides work together towards the same goal: to make South Sudan a safer place to live.

To help this process we are promoting community engagement with the police through regular meetings where police and citizens can exchange views, learn about the role of a modern police force and the responsibilities of citizens, and work together to address the security concerns of the community – through projects funded by small grants awarded by Saferworld. The meetings also allow the public to hold the police to account and to learn more about the new community policing standard operating procedures being rolled out nationwide (Read more about the Police Community Relations Committee in Kuajok.)

As South Sudan enters its third year, big events especially linked to its relationship with Sudan, will continue to dominate the headlines and have the potential to influence the course of people’s lives. However, it is important that civil society, international actors and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan continue to pay attention to the issues that local people feel are important to them and their day-to-day security.

Read more about our work in South Sudan

Read more about our community security work

“This new approach puts communities at the centre of the police’s work and will require the police to listen and respond to the concerns of the public”

Saferworld