Sierra Leone: Civil War, Democratic Collapse and Small Arms Proliferation

Abstract

The chapter examined the role and impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in fueling the rebellion led by violent non-state actors, particularly the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) leading to complete breakdown of law and order, democratic collapse and civil war in Sierra Leone. The chapter adopted a qualitative approach to research. Data was drawn from secondary sources, specifically journals, books, monographs, reports of government and international organisations and internet sources. The data was analysed through content analysis. The chapter reveals that SALW, which were purchased mostly with money from trade of blood diamonds became weapons of choice by violent non-state actors such as the RUF and other groups, including the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and Civil Defence Force (CDF). The wide usage of SALWs by these groups aided the prolongation of the war in Sierra Leone. Even though Sierra Leone initiated programmes aimed at addressing the proliferation of SALWs in the post-civil war period, the overall success have varied across the country. Without addressing the complex developmental challenges and threats of porous borders, the feeling of insecurity and resort to self-help through guns-for-protection has remained pervasive in the country. The chapter concludes that current efforts towards addressing the challenges posed by the proliferation of SALWs will only work if conditions that lead their demand and proliferation are eliminated. It recommends that the government needs to adequately fund traditional security operations, ensure better regulation of borders and addressing development challenges in the country.