A critical analysis of the role of igad in mediation: a case study of the Sudanpeace process, 1994-2005.

Abstract

A number of studies have been undertaken in regard to the Sudan Peace Process. They range from the chronology of events surrounding the process, the view points of various parties and observers about the process, the conflict situation of the Sudan and the efforts to mitigate the same and much more. A number of studies have also critically analyzed the IGAD led Sudan Peace Process on various dimensions such as the disputants, the conflict history, the mediators history and one or more of these combinations.

The objectives' of this study are: to critically analyse the impact of the disputants relationship in mediation outcome; to critically analyse the socio-political factors and their impact on mediation outcome; to critically analyse the issues at stake and their influence on the mediation outcome and to offer recommendations and points to areas of further research on mediation processes.

What clearly emerges in this study is that a combination of factors explains the experiences and the process of the IGAD led peace process. Needless to emphasize, the characteristic of disputants, the nature of the dispute, the nature of the mediators, and the behaviours and strategies prevalent occupied a central place in the dynamics of the peace process.

To maximize the policy utilitarian value, this study has captured the important areas in the peace of process such as where the process inherited from, the behaviours and strategies of the disputants prior and during the IGAD led process, challenges of achieving an all inclusive process, the politics of a beggaring neighbour and the culmination of the process by signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The study explores the gaps inherent that caused the process to go on for years but appreciates the success story of the process as well as proposing stopgaps for other related and prospective peace processes.