Mediating Conflicts in Africa- Comparing Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) Mediation Processes in South Sudan and Somalia: Lessons for Regional Organizations

Abstract

Generally, this study is about mediating conflicts in Africa: comparing Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation processes in South Sudan and Somalia: lessons for regional organizations. It analyses, interrogates, compares and contrast the IGAD mediation processes in South Sudan and Somalia. The study further sets out two hypotheses namely that Sub-regional organizations in Africa must be supported with enough resources for them to be effective in their mediation efforts, and secondly that influences and interference by external forces affect and shape mediation efforts in Africa. The study which has depended on both primary and secondary data has been situated within the analytical framework of third party intervention.The analytical framework assists in the analysis and deep knowledge and assessment of the conflict and mediation process.In South Sudan and Somalia, it was necessary for IGAD to take all factors and dynamics into account through inclusion of all stakeholders for an amicable lasting solution to be found. The study further revisits mediation processes in Africa by analyzing the IGAD mediation processes in South Sudan and Somalia and found out that mediation is an essential tool of conflict management within the African context. The IGAD as a sub-regional organization needs to be institutionalized to improve its capacity to handle mediation processes effectively and in quick response to prevent escalation. There is also a need for IGAD mediators to work together, complement and support each other. To this end, a combined IGAD strategy mechanism from stakeholders and the international community in South Sudan and Somalia is a better roadmap towards achieving negotiated agreement through mediation. Lastly, the study has given recommendations to enhance mediations in Africa that include coordinated pressure and inducement is necessary for mediation processes within the region to be effective and bring parties to an agreement. The IGAD should prioritize developing of expertise to enable informed mediation processes.The willingness to use professionals and knowledgeable voices has become a modality used in mediation to depoliticize conversations and keep them focused. Moreover, regional organizations should build institutional mediation capacity to enable proper, quick and timely response to manage further escalation of conflict. IGADs weak capacity needs additional support from the AU and the international community to effectively play the role of mediation in the region.The consolidation and integration of approaches of the AU and RECs in mediation is also necessary for sustainable conflict resolution.The IGAD can be complemented for maintaining a commitment to intervening and resolving the conflict in both South Sudan and Somalia through mediation.