Contributions of public sector reforms to the performance of national security in South Sudan, 2011-2016

Abstract

The study assessed the contributions of public sector reforms on performance of national security in South Sudan The study focused on the following objectives: (i) To identify the public sector reforms implemented by national security in South Sudan; (ii) To identify the public sector activities that have enhanced national security in south Sudan; (iii) To assess ways through which the performance of the security sector can be enhanced.The study employed a descriptive research design. It adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were used. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the respondents for this study. The study used a sample of 111 respondents, selected using Slovin’s (1967) formula for determining sample size. Questionnaires, and interviews, were the major tools for primary data collection. Primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency tables and percentages.The finding revealed challenges related to the implementation of democracy and good governance practices and inability to control armed and security forces in South Sudan. The results also identified limited capacity to professionalism of security services, high corrupt rate, poorly trained security officers. Findings noted limited political dimension at national level due to lack of freedom of speech, accountability and human rights. The finding also revealed that service delivery quality is still low, cost and efficiency system is poor. Ineffective policies affected coherence and policy coordination. Red tape affected implementation of services, unequal distribution of national services and unfair treatment of citizens led to lack of morale to work, and diminishing trust in government by citizens. This was due to harsh civil military relationship with masses.The study recommended that; for effective security service, there is need to enhance professional training for security personnel, need for public awareness as key stake holders in national security reforms. Government should timely allocation of resources to facilitate fruition security services. There is need to reduce red tape and enhance political leadership for successful security reforms. Agent legal framework to address the problem of corruption in the country. However security personnel should ensure that they effectively get involved in community settings while involving them in the security reform planning process.