斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Military-expenditure-transparency-in-sub

Summary of SIPRI Policy Paper No. 48: Military Expenditure Transparency in Sub-Saharan Africa

Core Content

This SIPRI policy paper analyzes military expenditure transparency in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from both international and national perspectives. It highlights the importance of transparency in military spending for democratic accountability, good governance, and regional stability. The paper also outlines key trends in military expenditure from 1966 to 2017 and provides policy recommendations to enhance transparency and accountability in the region.

Main Points

• Military Expenditure and Development: Military spending in SSA has significant security and developmental consequences. It can crowd out social spending, reduce economic growth, and contribute to regional instability.
• Transparency Importance: Transparency in military expenditure is crucial for accountability and informed public discourse. It helps ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
• International Reporting: SSA countries have limited participation in the UN Report on Military Expenditures. Only five states reported to the UN between 2008 and 2017, and no reports were submitted between 2015 and 2017.
• National Reporting: National transparency in SSA has improved significantly, with many countries publishing defence policy documents and budget information. However, comprehensiveness remains a challenge.
• Key Trends (1966-2017):
  • 1966-1977: Military expenditure almost quadrupled, driven by post-independence developments and Nigeria's spending.
  • 1977-1996: Spending generally decreased due to democratization and structural adjustment policies.
  • 1997-2014: Rapid increase occurred, but economic growth led to a decrease in the regional military burden.
  • 2015-2017: Falling oil prices and conflicts impacted military spending, leading to significant reductions in some countries.
• Case Studies: The paper includes case studies of the Central African Republic and Botswana, showing variations in transparency levels.
• Policy Recommendations:
  1. Improve the comprehensiveness of military expenditure information in national budget documents.
  2. Encourage SSA countries to submit data to the UN Report on Military Expenditures.
  3. Understand the drivers behind changes in military spending transparency and expenditure patterns.

Key Information

• Military Expenditure Trends:
  • Total military expenditure in SSA in 2017 was $19.6 billion, a 14% decrease from 2014.
  • Military spending as a percentage of GDP in SSA was 1.7% in 2017, the third highest globally.
  • Military spending as a percentage of government expenditure was 6.9%.
• Regional Characteristics:
  • SSA is marked by inequality, forced displacement, and violent conflict.
  • Many states in SSA have historically had low levels of transparency in military spending.
• National Transparency:
  • 45 of 47 SSA countries provided some form of military expenditure information on the internet since 2012.
  • 42 states published official budget documents in a timely manner.
  • 33 states provided disaggregated military expenditure data.
  • Only 6 states updated military spending information to reflect actual expenditures.
• Off-Budget Spending:
  • There are indications of off-budget military spending, which is secretive and requires further investigation.
  • Off-budget spending can lead to mistrust and regional instability.

Tables and Figures

• Table 2.1: Lists the top five increases and decreases in military expenditure in SSA from 2014 to 2017.

  • Increases:
    1. Mali: +$275 million (+152%)
    2. Gabon: +$112 million (+63%)
    3. Niger: +$75 million (+61%)
    4. Botswana: +$182 million (+60%)
    5. Senegal: +$94 million (+47%)
  • Decreases:
    1. South Sudan: -$509 million (-90%)
    2. Angola: -$3.7 billion (-61%)
    3. Chad: -$138 million (-40%)
    4. Ghana: -$82 million (-31%)
    5. Republic of the Congo: -$154 million (-24%)

• Figure 2.1: Shows the trend in military expenditure in SSA from 1966 to 2017.

• Figure 2.2: Illustrates the trend in military expenditure as a percentage of regional GDP from 1966 to 2017.

Conclusion

While there has been a marked improvement in national military expenditure transparency in SSA, the region still lacks a robust international reporting system. The paper calls for greater awareness and policy action to enhance transparency and accountability, especially regarding off-budget military spending, and to encourage SSA countries to participate in the UN reporting process. The study also highlights the need for further research on the factors influencing transparency and military spending trends in the region.