Security Implications of Using the Military in Internal Security Operations in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan

Abstract

Nations across the world are facing internal and external security threats that require security operations to safeguard citizens. Although the responsibility of internal security operations rests with the police, in some situations, states have been compelled to deploy the military for internal security operations. Despite the use of the military for internal operations, information on the military for internal operations remains scanty. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the security implications of using the military in internal security operations in Central Equatoria State. The study adopted a descriptive study design and random sampling techniques due to the need to have a comprehensive coverage of the phenomenon under study. The study was guided by the Separation Theory by Huntington (1957). Questionnaire method was used to collect data from all the 195 respondents (Members of public) while key informants interview guide was used to collect data from 5 Key Informants (K.I). Random sampling was used to enlist main respondents into the study while purposive sampling was used to select K.I respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23) while Qualitative data was analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Major threats that compelled the deployment of the military to undertake internal security operations included; unabated inter-ethnic conflicts fueled by warlords (13%), incapacity of the police (73%), presence of militias and violence meant to undermine government (9%), political conflicts (8%), and generals who were not well compensated and therefore commanded influence in their regions seeking to control their territory (6%). Civilians’ experiences with the military while executing internal security operations included human rights abuses such as; deaths, rape cases, gunshot injuries, torched houses and corporal punishments. Major impact of using military combat orientations to suppress violence and quell armed groups on society in South Sudan Central Equatorial State Juba included; perceptions of illegitimate military (26%). Other civilians were hardened with a disposition to be armed and form ethnic militia to protect themselves from the military. Among other major recommendations, the government should urgently capacity build the police to effectively take over their constitutional mandate of internal security operations and lessen the civilians pain under the military hands. This will avert the nation from being one of the failed states.