POST-CONFLICT CHALLENGES IN SOUTH SUDAN; ISSUES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Peace agreement can be perceived as an integral part of conflict resolution. It is difficult to explain and describe conflict resolution without analyzing some forms of agreement that have been reached between the conflicting parties and thus it becomes hard to talk about conflict resolution devoid of viewing provisions of the peace agreement. Yet an agreement even if implemented, may not be sufficient to establish a sustainable and durable peace. However, peace agreement is a necessary step to bring about lasting arrangement and peaceful co¬ existence amongst conflicting parties. The post-conflict period is sought to establish new relations between the former conflicting parties particularly for physical confrontation ceasefire. The purpose of the research study was to analyze and evaluate the post-conflict challenges South Sudan in pre- and post-referendum era. The objectives for this study were to identify and analyze post-conflict issues that are challenging South Sudan; assess the effect of post-conflict issues on South Sudan’s nation state building and analyze and recommend on diplomatic techniques that help in addressing post-conflict issues challenges South Sudan. The research took the form of combination of both qualitative and quantitative techniques which involved common research methods such as observations, interviews, questionnaires and documentary surveys. Data was collected from Republic of South Sudan institutions, which comprised of (28) National Ministries, National Legislative Assembly, Independent Institutions and Commissions (29). A random sample of 395 principals representing a population (33,831) of public institutions in the Republic of South Sudan was selected using the Slovin's Formula on the bases of sub-clusters. The methods used in this study to collect information included the interviews, observation the use of questionnaires as well as documentary review. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the post-conflict issues challenging South Sudan are the geographical definition of South Sudan, which was an inherited issue from the colonial rule followed by the Abyei area. Both issues create insecurity and violent between the two countries. Other challenges included conflict in the public service employment between those who were inside, Diaspora and those who came from the liberation movement. The study concludes that employment of diplomatic strategies such as negotiation, political and diplomatic pressure in conflict resolution and management would create an enriching environment to ameliorate them.