Regional Mechanisms of Conflict Resolution: Roles of the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Resolving Violent Conflict in South Sudan

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Date

2018-01

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Addis Ababa University,

Abstract

South Sudan got its independence on 2011 after an exercise of referendum, demonstrating to the whole world the conclusion of one of the longest conflicts in recent African history. Nevertheless, it was not long before many people across the world got shocked as a result of gloomy report of near a genocidal massacres and destruction of villages. Indeed since then the country has been struggling, with complete absence of law and order. African regional and sub-regional organizations including African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have staged an increasing concern and got actively involved in this matter encouraged by the idea of prompting “African solutions to African problem”. Thus, this dissertation was therefore conducted with the aspiration of assessing the causes and consequences of South Sudanese conflict and the determination to investigate the role and contribution of African Union (AU) and Inter-Governmental Authority (IGAD) towards resolving conflict in South Sudan. In doing so, this dissertation applied qualitative methodological approach and also made use of both primary and secondary sources. The key instruments through which data were collected includes; Documentary Analysis, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KIIS) and In-Depth Interview. Documentary Analysis was used to provide background, to track change and development. At the same time 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with various discussants were also conducted each consisting of 6 participants. The Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was designed to draw upon participant’s attitudes, feelings, experience and reactions. What is more, 55 In-Depth interviews were also conducted with various participants of the research to obtain comprehensive information, to understand participant’s response deeper and gain more extra knowledge and insight. Besides all this, 28 Key Informant Interview (KIIS) were also conducted with academician, regional leaders, political analysts, peace and security experts, ambassadors, diplomats, higher government officials, staff and coordinators of AU and IGAD. Furthermore, findings of the study suggest that there are historical, political, economic and social causes of the conflict. Plus, the study also indicated that there are some political, economic and social consequences of the conflict in South Sudan, which has significant adverse effect both within South Sudan and to the region. Yet to minimize the effect of the conflict in South Sudan and consolidated peace a number of policy options have been forwarded by this research undertaking. As far as AU and IGAD concerned, there are some strength and weakness that has been registered as a result of this regional and sub-regional organizations practical intervention.

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Keywords

Power, AU, IGAD, Causes, Consequence, Regional Organization, Sub-Regional Organization, Conflict and Mediation.

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