The effectiveness of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to consolidate peace in the republic of South Sudan.

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to consolidate peace in the Republic of South Sudan. It focused on the: the role of UNMISS to consolidate peace in South Sudan; the factors conditioning UNMISS in consolidating peace in South Sudan; and the relationship between UNMISS presence and consolidation of peace in South Sudan. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. It adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the respondents for this study. The study used a sample of 235 respondents, selected using Stovin’s (1967) formula for determining sample size. Questionnaires, and interviews, were the major tools for primary data collection. Primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency tables and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that, UNMISS should strengthen dialogue/negotiations with conflicting parties in order to prevent the recurrence of civil wars and encourage Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) aimed at removing guns from hands of civilians and other militias. UNMISS fostered the Government to implement developmental projects to create employment for the youth deterring them, to being attracted in joining disgruntled politicians hence limiting waves of violence. The study noted that, for effective peace consolidation in South Sudan, a number of reforms have to be considered, based on equitable resource distribution and enhancement of regional security, economic stability, political process and also extending social services to the entire population. The study findings also revealed that, UNMISS needed to comply with mandated Standard Operation Procedures (SOPS) and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) when promoting peace, to improve cooperation and build trust with the Government, citizens and conflicting parties. This relationship builds confidence among stakeholders, and usually leads to adherence and honor of agreements and peace treaties signed especially ceasefire agreements. The study recommended that; in order to enhance consolidation of peace in South Sudan, UNMISS should encourage the R-TGNU to invest more in security, so that civilians lives and properties are protected, and also to improve on human right violations. There is need for the SPLM-In-Government and their partners to the agreement are to reform the existing political structures and governance and reconciliations amongst conflicting parties. There is need to strengthen the economy and implement developmental projects to create employment for the youth to deter them joining disgruntled politicians that pave away for violence.