The SPLA has both systematically and on an individual basis supplied arms and ammunition to Jonglei communities.
The revelation comes in the Small Arms Survey latest issue brief titled “My Neighbour, My Enemy: Inter-tribal Violence in Jonglei.”
The document underlines that inter-tribal violence involving the Lou Nuer, Murle, and to a lesser extent the Dinka, escalated in 2009 and has become increasingly violent.
It says that persistent lack of services, increased competition over natural resources, and the erosion of traditional leadership structures together with unspoken rules of cattle raiding were the main causes for the violence.
The issue brief adds that local and national politicians have manipulated the conflict for personal and political gain, while Jonglei-based militia groups have provided weapons to tribal fighters to further their own agendas.
It says the current civilian disarmament campaign, which collected more than 11,000 weapons, has helped prevent further large-scale attacks but dis not address the root causes of the conflict.
The report added that soldiers conducting the campaign have committed rapes, torture, and killings Ð mostly against Murle communities Ð deepening Murle distrust of the SPLA.
It adds that David Yau Yau’s rebellion in Pibor County capitalized on disaffection among Murle communities.