Abstract:
This thesis examined the Murle cross border raids and its implications for Ethiopia-South Sudan
Border Security. The cross-border raids involve the cattle raiding and child abduction. This
study employed a qualitative research method and social cubism theory. Five Kebelles, including
Dimma town were purposely selected and data collected from them to explore the driving
factors, impacts and the security implications of the cross-border raids. In each border Kebelles
research participant was selected using purposive sampling method. The data gathering
instruments included in-depth interview, focus group discussion, observation and secondary data
review. Subjects of the study include security forces, family of victims, higher rank officials,
elders and refugees. The analysis of primary data collected through key informant interview and
focus group discussions entailes the ongoing driving factors and impacts of cross-border raids.
The actors in cross-border raids are also described in the thesis. Cattle raiding, a longstanding
practice among communities along the border was historically governed by cultural authorities
and ritual prohibitions. However, after the out broke of civil war in South Sudan, raiders are
now heavily armed, and military-style attacks are commonly perpetuated. Social cubism
theoretical perspectives are applied to analysis the cross-border cattle raiding and child
abduction dynamics and relationships. The socio-cultural values and perceptions, low living
conditions, ineffective government, availablity of illicit small arms and light weapon and border
porosity are driving factors that contributed for the rise in cross-border raids.The research aslo
argues that the cross-border raids have resulted insecuirty for Ethiopia-South Sudan border
ralations which is emerged organized crimes and prolonged frustration on the border
communities. The study found out that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons have
exacerbated the traditional cross border raids. It emerged the inter-ethnic conflicts, cross border
organized crimes and civilian access to arms along the Ethiopia-South Sudan border
communities due to the violent and frequent cross border raids.