Assessment of challenges to inter-governmental authority on development peace mediation in South Sudan: A case of South Sudan conflict (2011 - 2016)

Abstract

The study assessed the challenges to IGAD’S mediation capacity in the South Sudan focusing on South Sudan conflict from 2011 – 2016. The study was guided by the following objectives: to analyze factors that influence Inter-Governmental Authority on Development peace mediation process in South Sudan, to assess the challenges to Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)peace mediation in South Sudan and to examine the strategies that can be adopted in improving peace mediation of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development in South Sudan. The researcher obtained relevant data from 73 respondents out of the total accessible population of 90 respondents. Purposive simple sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. According to the study, majority of the respondents indicated that parties to the conflict and IGAD member states greatly influenced peace mediation process. The study also concluded that IGAD peace mediation was majorly challenged by; regional rivalries and power struggle between Salvar Kiir and Riek Machar that made negotiations hard, the off-shoots of fighting groups which hampered negotiations, suspicion, breakdown of peace talks centralization of decision-making at the Heads of State level, and Inadequate Institutional Support for Mediators extra. The study finally revealed that endless calls for cessation of hostilities, the use of trade sanctions, Arms embargo and institutionalization of mediation units. The study concluded that despite the challenges, the IGAD peace process for South Sudan has prevented the country from plunging into a war even worse than the one it has endured. The study also recommended continuation of IGAD revitalization process, in-depth conflict analysis extra.