The African Union Mission in South Sudan: a Case Study of South Sudan

Abstract

South Sudan is one of the youngest nations of the world but it experiencing a war that risks turning into a civil war. The African Union has been involved in trying to find a solution to the issue. As such, this research focuses on the AU mandate in South Sudan, more so its effectiveness in resolving the conflict. Using a qualitative approach, the research project discusses the current efforts and attempts being done by the AU and other regional stakeholders in South Sudan, which include religious, political and civil society, towards the resolution of the conflict. Qualitative research is exploratory in nature thus the researcher compiled literature, report, and primary data. In sum, the findings show that theree have been numerous attempts towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis between the President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar. However, the efforts have not borne fruits. Therefore, the AU has failed to find a lasting solution in South Sudan for several reasons including the fact that the African body does not have mechanisms in place to prosecute the perpetrators. As recommendations, there is a need for the conflicting parties to respect the peace agreement. Next, they should agree to make a unity government so as to put structures in place for a free and fair election. Also, they should focus on building the country through reconcilation and justice.