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This report gives an overview of the legal frameworks pertaining to the regulation of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the greater Horn of Africa, ongoing political and economic transformation, as well as the increasing tension and dynamism between governments and CSOs. It focuses deliberately on the shortcomings affecting the growth and contributions of the NGO sector to the general population. It further presents an array of opportunities and threats, as well as successes and challenges,…

This study follows on from an earlier Small Arms Survey paper by the author (Young, 2015). It begins where the earlier paper left off with the signing of the ARCSS and ends with the first anniversary of the agreement’s collapse in July 2017. Like the earlier study, this research is based on many visits by the author and his assistant to Juba, Greater Upper Nile, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan to carry out interviews with…

As a contribution to IGAD’s efforts to revitalize the peace process in South Sudan, 19 civil society organisations have developed the attached paper (also available online at outlining the conclusions and recommendations that have emerged from many months of engagement on the topic. The paper outlines the main conditions for the success of the revitalization process, along with specific substantive and procedural recommendations. Download  

This report documents a complex multi-million dollar arms deal involving entities in the UK, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates. While outlining the obligations of Ukraine and UAE to prevent irresponsible arms transfers, the report focuses on the role of a UK ‘front’ or ‘shell’ company, whose name was found on contract documents and an end user certificate. Any involvement of a UK-registered company in arms transfers to South Sudan would be in breach of…

After a long-term decline in the frequency and lethality of famines, 2017 has witnessed resurgent international concern over the issue. This paper examines the trends in famine over the last 150 years, with particular attention to the fusion of famine with forcible mass starvation. It identifies four main historic periods of famines, namely: the zenith of European colonialism; the extended World War; post-colonial totalitarianism; and post-Cold War humanitarian emergencies; and asks whether we may be…

South Sudan became an independent state in 2011, separating from Sudan following decades of armed conflict. High hopes for South Sudan’s future were soon dashed when fighting broke out in December 2013, and optimism regarding South Sudan’s prospect for peace has now faded. The country is currently facing famine, ongoing conflict, persistent ethnic tensions and severe economic challenges. The humanitarian crisis and continued fighting across the country have led to large-scale forced displacement. This case…

This document aims to provide an overview of the key challenges related to housing, land and property (HLP) issues in the expanding urban and peri-urban areas of South Sudan. It points out key issues that require due attention once shelter actors begin to engage more substantially in shelter provision in urban areas, in particular with regards to the return and relocation of IDPs. In addition, it presents an overview of land-relevant actors and legislation which…

The African Union is mandated to help South Sudan to ensure accountability for past human rights abuses through the establishment of a hybrid court. This mandate is derived from the Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, signed in 2015. The agreement also makes provision for a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and a Compensation and Reparation Authority. In the face of continued violence in South Sudan, how can the African Union…

This report presents the findings from a survey of land-related disputes in urban and peri-urban areas of South Sudan. From November to December 2016, the South Sudan Law Society (SSLS), in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and the State Land Alliances (SLA), interviewed 942 individuals in ten locations across the country. Findings from this study demonstrate that land-related disputes in urban environments are widespread, becoming increasingly difficult to resolve, and are re-enforcing demand for…

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