Navigating Fragility: Unraveling Intergroup Relations in South Sudan’s Peace-Building Process

Year 2024, , 37 - 48, 11.06.2024

Melek Aylin Özoflu

https://doi.org/10.26650/hupej.2024.10.1.1456766

Abstract

Since gaining independence in 2011, the Republic of South Sudan as the world’s youngest nation has been ranked among the most fragile states. Moreover, the civil wars that erupted in 2013 and 2016 resulted in intercommunal violence and crimes against humanity, leading to an immeasurable humanitarian crisis in the region. While it still suffers from political instability, internal security challenges, and lack of economic development, the legacy of ethnic mistrust shaping the intergroup relations within South Sudanese society remains critical. Therefore, this paper seeks to understand the peace-building process in South Sudan to shed light on the stemming reasons that have kept the state-building efforts and peace-building initiatives ill-equipped. The mainstream literature often relies on investigating the functionality of governmental structures in respect to state-building initiatives, and this paper argues that the formation of a collective consciousness toward the constitution of a shared collective identity within the multiethnic society of South Sudan is one of the leading issues in question. Because war-torn South Sudan presents the prototype of a fragile state with its civil wars, armed conflicts, poverty, weak state institutions, and social inequalities, the study utilizes the conceptual framework of fragile states in order to examine the internal factors of fragility.

Keywords

Civil war, Peace-building, Collective identity, Fragile states, South Sudan

References

• Accord.org (August, 2020) The Formation of the RevitaLized TransitionaL Government of NationaL Unity in South Sudan. Re-trieved from https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/the-formation-of-the-revitaLized-transitionaL-government-of-nationaL-unity-in-south-sudan/. google scholar
• Accord.org. (February, 2019) Reviving peace in South Sudan through the RevitaLised Peace Agreement. Retrieved from https://www. accord.org.za/conflict-trends/reviving-peace-in-south-sudan-through-the-revitaLised-peace-agreement/ google scholar
• Agwanda, B., & AsaL, U. Y. (2020). State fragiLity and post-conflict state-buiLding: An anaLysis of South Sudan Conflict (2013-2019). GüvenLik BiLimLeri Dergisi, 9(1), 125-146. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/en/downLoad/articLe-fiLe/1099660. https://doi.org/10. 28956/gbd.736103 google scholar
• Ajak, P, Larson, G, and Pritchett, L. (October 2013). South Sudan’s capabiLity trap: BuiLding a state with disruptive innovation. Center for InternationaL DeveLopment at Harvard University. Retrieved from http://www.hks.harvard.edu/var/ezp_site/storage/fckeditor/ fiLe/ pdfs/centers-programs/centers/cid/pubLications/facuLty/wp/268_Sudan-PDIA.pdf https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2366894 google scholar
• ArnoLd, M., & LeRiche, M. (2013). South Sudan: from revolution to independence. Oxford University Press, USA. google scholar
• Ayik, A., Ijumba, N., Kabiri, C., & Goffin, P. (2021). PreLiminary wind resource assessment in South Sudan using reanaLysis data and sta-tisticaL methods. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 138, 110621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.110621 google scholar
• BiLaLi, B. (2020). Energy security in south Sudan: PotentiaLs and chaLLenges. Türkiye Siyaset Bilimi Dergisi, 3(1), 1-16. google scholar
• BLanchard, L. P. (2016). Conflict in South Sudan and the chaLLenges ahead. google scholar
• BLanchard, P. (2014) The Crisis in South Sudan. Retrieved from http://www.fredsakademiet.dk/ordbog/sord/Crisis%20South%20Sudan. pdf google scholar
• Carment, D. (2003). Assessing state faiLure: impLications for theory and poLicy. Third World Quarterly, 24(3), 407-427. https://doi.org/10. 1080/0143659032000084384 google scholar
• Caton, P. (February, 2024). Photos: Inside South Sudan’s worsening refugee crisis, in Renk and Maban. Retrieved from https://www.aLjazeera.com/gaLLery/2024/2/8/photos-inside-south-sudans-worsening-refugee-crisis-renk-and-maban#:~: text=For%20the%20Last%2010%20months,from%20any%20month%20Last%20year. google scholar
• CLimate DipLomacy. Conflict between Dinka and Nuer in South Sudan. Retrieved from https://cLimate-dipLomacy.org/case-studies/ conflict-between-dinka-and-nuer-south-sudan google scholar
• ConciLiation Resources. History of the conflict in South Sudan. Retrieved from https://www.c-r.org/programme/east-and-centraL-africa/ south-sudan-conflict-focus?gcLid=CjwKCAiA_OetBhAtEiwAPTeQZ5ndLd0XV7hr8OEqrFCucL2zwCIImaDqVDL1jVCOLDEd4TEdnfdPmho CnqEQAvD_BwE google scholar
• CounciL on Foreign ReLations. (August, 2023) InstabiLity in South Sudan. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/gLobaL-conflict-tracker/ conflict/civiL-war-south-sudan google scholar
• De WaaL, A. (2014). When kLeptocracy becomes insoLvent: Brute causes of the civiL war in South Sudan. African Affairs, 113(452), 347-369. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adu028 google scholar
• e Garang, K. (2021). Birth of a State: Rethinking South Sudanese CoLLective Identity through Identity Anchors. Modern Africa: PoLitics, History and Society, 9(2), 5-37. https://doi.org/10.26806/modafr.v9i2.330 google scholar
• Euronews. (February, 2020). RebeL Leader in South Sudan sworn in as vice president of government meant to end war. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2020/02/23/rebeL-Leader-in-south-sudan-sworn-in-as-vice-president-of-government-meant-to-end-war google scholar
• François, M., & Sud, I. (2006). Promoting stabiLity and deveLopment in fragiLe and faiLed states. Development policy review, 24(2), 141-160. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.2006.00319.x google scholar
• Freedom House. South Sudan. Retrieved from https://freedomhouse.org/country/south-sudan/freedom-worLd/2023. google scholar
• Fukuyama, F. (2004). The imperative of state-buiLding. J. Democracy, 15, 17. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2004.0026 google scholar
• Gituati, C.T. (February, 2024). 4 Years of the RTGoNU: Why the Parties must diaLogue, deLiver the promise of stabLe, peacefuL, democra-tic South Sudan. Retrieved from https://reLiefweb.int/report/south-sudan/4-years-rtgonu-why-parties-must-diaLogue-deLiver-promise-stabLe-peacefuL-democratic-south-sudan google scholar
• HeLman, GeraLd B. "The Conservator: Saving States from PoLiticaL Bankruptcy." Harvard International Review 29, no. 4 (2008): 68. https://www.fao.org/3/i3652e/i3652e.pdf. google scholar
• Human Rights CounciL. (February, 2021) Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/sites/defauLt/fiLes/HRBodies/HRC/ReguLarSessions/ Session46/Documents/A_HRC_46_CRP_2.pdf google scholar
• Johnson, D. H. (2014). Briefing: the crisis in South Sudan. African Affairs, 113(451), 300-309. https://doi.org/10.1093/afraf/adu020 google scholar
• Johnson, D. H. (2014). The poLiticaL crisis in South Sudan. African Studies Review, 57(3), 167-174. https://doi.org/10.1017/asr.2014.97 google scholar
• Johnson, H. F. (2016). South Sudan: The untold story from independence to civil war. BLoomsbury PubLishing. google scholar
• KapLan, S. D. (2008). Fixing fragile states: a new paradigm for development. BLoomsbury PubLishing USA. https://doi.org/10.5040/ 9798400651755 google scholar
• KuntzeLman, C. C. (2013). South Sudan: SoLutions for Moving beyond an "Ethnic Conflict". International Research and Review, 3(1), 81-118. google scholar
• Ladu, N. S. D., Subburaj, S. K., & Samikannu, R. (2021, October). A review of renewabLe energy resources. Its potentiaLs, benefits, and chaLLenges in South Sudan. In 2021 International Conference on Advancements in Electrical, Electronics, Communication, Comput-ing and Automation (ICAECA) (pp. 1-6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAECA52838.2021.9675574 google scholar
• Liaga, E.A. (October, 2021). South Sudan’s transitionaL government ReaLities, chaLLenges and opportunities. Retrieved from https:// issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/upLoads/EAR-41.pdf google scholar
• Paris, R. (2004). At war’s end: building peace after civil conflict. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511790836 google scholar
• Marten, K. Z. (2004). Enforcing the peace: Learning from the imperial past. CoLumbia University Press. https://doi.org/10.7312/mart12912 google scholar
• Pinaud, C. (2022). War and genocide in South Sudan. CorneLL University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781501753022 google scholar
• Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and EvaLuation Commission. (February, 2023). Three Years of the RTGoNU: Unity of purpose to Lead the country to enduring peace through impLementation of R-ARCSS. Retrieved from https://jmecsouthsudan.org/ index.php/media-center/news/item 665-three-years-of-the-rtgonu-unity-of-purpose-to-Lead-the-country-to-enduring-peace-through-impLementation-of-r-arcss google scholar
• ReLiefweb. (September, 2020). Situation in South Sudan- Report of the Secretary-GeneraL. Retrieved from https://reLiefweb.int/report/ south-sudan/situation-south-sudan-report-secretary-generaL-s2020890 google scholar
• Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republıc of South Sudan. (September 2018) Retrieved from https://www. peaceagreements.org/viewmasterdocument/2112 google scholar
• RoLandsen, 0. H., GLomnes, H. M., ManoeLi, S., & NicoLaisen, F. (2015). A year of South Sudan’s third civil war. International Area Studles Review, 18(1), 87-104. https://doi.org/10.1177/2233865915573797 google scholar
• Rotberg, R. I. (Ed.). (2010). When states fail: Causes and consequences. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt7scrg google scholar
• Sefa-Nyarko, C. (2016). CiviL war in south Sudan: is it a reflection of historicaL secessionist and naturaL resource wars in "Greater Sudan"?. google scholar
• African security, 9(3), 188-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/19392206.2016.1208476 google scholar
• ShankLeman, J. (2011). Oil and State Building in South Sudan. US Institute of Peace. google scholar
• Storeng, K. T., PaLmer, J., Daire, J., & KLoster, M. O. (2019). Behind the scenes: InternationaL NGOs’ influence on reproductive heaLth poLicy in MaLawi and South Sudan. Global public health, 14(4), 555-569. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2018.1446545 google scholar
• Tigere Chagutah. (March, 2023). South Sudan’s conflicts are not just between communities. Retrieved from https:// www.amnesty.org/en/Latest/news/2023/03/vioLent-conflicts-in-south-sudan-aLmost-aLways-invoLve-human-rights-vioLations-and-abuses-and-crimes-under-internationaL-Law/ google scholar
• Transparency InternationaL. Corruption Perceptions Index. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023?gad_source=1& gcLid=Cj0KCQiAoKeuBhCoARIsAB4WxtfotY9hvku9LWLffKzESr70Po3zraoLP1-iYTId4nnjm_beXrv29X4aAjvTEALw_wcB google scholar
• UNHCR. (November, 2016) The genocidaL Logic of South Sudan’s "gun cLass". Retrieved from https://webarchive.archive.unhcr.org/ 20230522010614/https://www.refworLd.org/docid/583c060d4.htmL. google scholar
• United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Retrieved from https://unmiss.unmissions.org/background. google scholar
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Retrieved from https://www.unocha.org/south-sudan google scholar
• United Nations Security CounciL ResoLutions. ResoLution 2132 Sudan and South Sudan. (2013). Retrieved from http://unscr.com/en/ resoLutions/2132 google scholar
• United Nations SustainabLe DeveLopment Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). (2022). Retrieved from https://southsudan.un.org/sites/ defauLt/fiLes/2023-02/UN%20SustainabLe%20DeveLopment%20SOUTH%20SUDAN-%20FINAL.pdf google scholar
• United Nations WorLd Food Programme. Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission to South Sudan. (February 2014) Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/i3652e/i3652e.pdf. google scholar
• Vumbunu, C.H. (2016). Conflict Resurgence and the Agreement on the ResoLution of the Conflict in the RepubLic of South Sudan. Retrieved from https://reLiefweb.int/report/south-sudan/conflict-resurgence-and-agreement-resoLution-conflict-repubLic-south-sudan google scholar
• Wight, P. (2017). South Sudan and the Four Dimensions of Power-Sharing: PoLiticaL, TerritoriaL, MiLitary, and Economic. African Conflict and Peacebuilding Review, 7(2), 1-35. https://doi.org/10.2979/africonfpeacrevi.7.2.01 google scholar
• Peacekeeping and StabiLity Operations Institute. South Sudan Country ProfiLe. Retrieved from https://pksoi.armywarcoLLege.edu/index. php/country-profiLe-of-south-sudan-sociaL/. google scholar
• WorLd Bank. (March, 2023). Rising from the Depths: Water Security and FragiLity in South Sudan. Retrieved from https://www.worLdbank. org/en/country/southsudan/overview#:~:text=South%20Sudan%20remains%20in%20a,to%20be%20the%20most%20affected. google scholar
• Young, J. (2012). The fate of Sudan: The origins and consequences of a flawed peace process. Zed Books Ltd. https://doi.org/10.5040/ 9781350223134 google scholar
• Zartman, I. W. (Ed.). (1995). Collapsed states: the disintegration and restoration of legitimate authority. Lynne Rienner PubLishers. https:// doi.org/10.1515/9781685853907 google scholar