Institute Of Diplomacy And International Studies Managing Persistent Conflicts In Africa

Abstract

This study examined the management of persistent conflicts in Africa using the case study of South Sudan, in particular, the factors causing the persistent conflicts, initiatives adopted to manage them, as well as the role of international and regional interventions, with a view to making recommendations on how to find lasting solutions. Two theoretical perspectives: neo-realism and conflict analysis were used. The former situated the study within the horizon of the state as an actor in an anarchic international system where self-interest is primary; an approach that recognizes the importance of empiricism in data analysis. The latter framework analyses at the practical work of establishing the status of the conflict with a view to helping the parties in the conflict to work towards healing and stability. These two complementary frameworks helped to focus on both the international and local actors in the South Sudan conflict. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Primary data was collected from selected informants, including key players in the conflict such as key informants from the South Sudan Government. The analysis revealed that conflicts in Africa, in general, and South Sudan in particular, were largely fueled by ethnic strife, political exclusion and inequality in distribution of resources, human rights violations/injustices, and incompatible leadership. International and regional actors play an important role in encouraging negotiations, humanitarian assistance and peace building efforts. The study recommends a seamless nexus between international, regional and local processes, to yield a just federal system of government in South Sudan and a revisit of the cross-fertilization efforts of the two theoretical frameworks used, to engender theoretical synergy on how to resolve violent conflicts in international politics.