Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Practice: An Investigation of Its Process on Ex-Combatants in the Post-2005 South Sudan

Many studies have been carried out on post-conflict disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) in many countries including the Republic of South Sudan. However, to this date, there is no comprehensive literature or empirical data on the process of DDR on the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 up to date, there has not been sustainable peace in the world’s nascent state. This vexes the mind as if the world neglected the newly born country, South Sudan or the country is crippled by natural phenomena which hinder it to learn how to crawl, walk and grow? It is also confusing and paradoxical that after many years of wars for liberation and self rule, and attaining independence in 2011, South Sudan is still listed among fragile states with high risks of sliding into a failed state. To this very day, the country continues to experience institutional and infrastructural challenges; with only one major asphalt road connecting the East African countries through the Nimule-Uganda borders. This main supply route is also under threat by insurgents and lack of maintenance. Many countries have undergone political instability akin to that of South Sudan, yet they successfully conducted DDR programs despite the challenges encountered. The urge for collective responsibility of all stakeholders is key at this juncture. Such successes registered elsewhere during post-conflicts era need a replica in the South Sudanese case.