The Role of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Conflict Mitigation: a Case Study of Sudan (2005-2018)

Abstract

Sudan has been blessed with abundance of natural resources which ranges from fertile land to oil. However this sector has been abused in the region and it has led to conflict and disagreements in the region. The link between ethnic rivalries, armed groups, resources, political instability has all created a complex security situation in the region. In addition, the historical roots on how the region was being ruled in the colonial era further divided the region. In sum, the ability to deal with the conflict in Sudan is very low. The government of Sudan lacks the necessary capacity to deal with the conflict and protect its country. This study assessed the role of the United Nations in conflict mitigation in Sudan. The research design used in this study was a longitudinal research design and more specifically a case study method. The area of study was Sudan but the data collected relied on the Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi, civil society groups, UN mission officers and other professionals. The data was collected through focus group discussions, interviews and also use of resources from the library. For the purpose of the study, the target population was a total of 40 individuals. This was stratified through the various groups as a target. The data collected was categorized into various thematic concerns and analyzed to offer clarification, verification and explanation. The study concludes that the major cause of conflict in Sudan is ethnic rivalry and also the struggle over natural resources majorly oil. The study also concludes that a way to resolve the conflict is to engage in home based negotiations like the one that took place in Somali in fighting against the warlords. Based on the findings, the study recommends that there should be a collective action against those that violate the peace agreement, the UN should engage in an inclusive approach in resolving the conflict and also the government should ensure that reconciliation, accountability and healing process has taken root in Sudan. The international bodies must provide interventions so as to avoid a negative outcome of the conflict and also the local actors should act upon the needs and peaceful co-existence of the people so as to bring a culture and structure that is conducive for all its citizens.