Security Sector Reform in Sudan and South Sudan: Incubating Progress

Summary of a larger work about the political dynamics that enable or block security sector reform progress in fragile and conflict affected states

Abstract

This memo serves as a summary of a larger work which combines the insights of the political marketplace framework (PMF) with recent research findings about the political dynamics that enable or block security sector reform (SSR) progress in fragile and conflict affected states. These findings point strongly to the idea that certain types of local organisation and activism around issues of security and justice are a necessary prerequisite for reform success. The central point is that the most effective SSR strategy focuses first on the facilitating environment of civil and political actors, and only second on the technical and institutional requirements of the reform programme itself. In short, success lies in generating political demand for SSR, on the basis of which supply of reform expertise can then be provided. External efforts can signal-boost domestic efforts, but not substitute for them.

In the context of Sudan and South Sudan, this (a) suggests specific areas where donor efforts might be able to foster conditions for future SSR, (b) provides an idea of what expectations for progress are realistic, and finally (c) highlights interventions that have been counterproductive and thus should be discontinued.

This memo lays out the logic governing security and justice reform in a political marketplace context, explores the similar paths (and necessary preconditions) other states have taken to achieve reform progress, discusses the general principles of engagement these patterns suggest, and finally applies these findings to generate specific recommendations for action. These actions focus on promoting the capacity and confidence of pro-reform coalitions.

This work is part of the Conflict Research Programme managed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and funded by the UK Department for International Development

Citation

Sarah Detzner (2019) Security Sector Reform in Sudan and South Sudan: Incubating Progress. Conflict Research Programme Policy Memo. Conflict Research Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

Security Sector Reform in Sudan and South Sudan: Incubating Progress

Updates to this page

Published 10 December 2019