LINKAGES BETWEEN STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE AND RESOURCES-BASED CONFLICT; THE CASE STUDY OF SOUTHERN SUDAN

Abstract

This paper seeks to investigate the linkages between structural violence and resources’ based conflict in Southern Sudan (1954-2005). The importance of this study lies in exposing the relevance of considering resources and structural violence in causing a conflict. The purpose of this study is to investigate causes of the Southern Sudan conflict. In particular, the study seeks to link structural violence and natural resources in fueling the already delicate relation between North and Southern Sudan. This study endeavors to analysis the Sudan conflict between the North and the South with an emphasis on the role played by natural resources and its linkage to the structural violence experienced by the people of the Sudan. This is because the Sudan conflict has raged for a long time hence presents a wide perspective for study. A comprehensive study of this conflict will give clear understanding of all the parameters surrounding the conflict. An examination of the variables surrounding the conflict, including the role of the colonial administration will explain why the conflict has lasted this long, and why previous efforts to resolve it have been so unsuccessful. Such an insight will form an important basis when approaching similar conflicts in the continent The African continent has experienced many conflicts, ranging from struggle for independence from the colonialists to intra state conflicts for example the Sudan conflict. A common feature in these conflicts has been the coming up by the oppressed in society to challenge the unjust structures. The structuralisms’ approach has given an angle at which the conflict can be analyzes and possibly managed. Its suggestion of revolutionizing the structures every time there is a conflict may not be practical, this practicability is challenged by the fact that human nature and needs are ever changing and as such it may be possible to ever come up with structures that will keep up these changes.