Military Influence on Political Stability in Post-War South Sudan

Abstract

Political stability is imperative and a requisite for the growth and development and every state is committed to ensure political stability. Military intervention in political affairs is regarded as one of the causes of political instability in post-war African states. This study therefore investigated the influence of military in political stability in post- war South Sudan. The study employed qualitative approach. Sample of 20 from 105 targeted populations from military officials, journalists, political analysts, civil society representatives, politicians, lawyers, academics and general population in South Sudan was used. The respondents were sampled using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Focus group discussion and interview was used to collect primary data while document analysis was used to collect secondary data. The university supervisor and experts evaluated the content and face validity of the instruments. However, the trustworthiness of instrument for collecting qualitative data was done by ensuring its credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability to ensure that the instruments are fairly reliable for the study. The data was analyses using thematic coding. The findings showed that military has negative influence on political stability through its dominance, militarisation of state institutions, weakening of democracy, weakening of civilian authority, poor government and poor civil-military relations. Consequently, to enhanced political stability in South Sudan, military reforms are needed in order to have apolitical military which is focused on its functions of defending the country from external aggression rather than dominating civilian institutions. Moreover, public service provision and elaborate justice service systems should be enhanced to prevent military intervention in public institutions. Finally, intensive investigation should be done on the causes of coup and its appropriate deterrence mechanism to prevent causes of overthrowing the civilian rule and militarising them and causing political instability.