O papel das Nações Unidas (ONU) e da União Africana (UA) na mediação do processo de independência do Sudão do Sul (2005-2012)

Abstract

This dissertation aims to discuss the effectiveness of the mediating role of the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) in solving the conflict in Southern Sudan. We argue that this action mediating impacted considerably in the negotiations between the republic of Sudan and the republic of South Sudan, since: (i) it was established a ceasefire in hostilities between the warring parties, especially in the border regions between the two Sudanese states; (ii) an active effectiveness on the part of the peacekeeping operations of the UN and AU to ensure civilian protection and humanitarian aid in face of escalating violence in the region; (iii) the establishment of the most significant agreements regarding the outstanding issues, especially regarding the creation of a demilitarized zone in Abyei. First, we discussed International Mediation Theory in Post-Cold War Era to clarify its main assumptions, thus considering the importance of mediation in solving international crises, taking as a basis the various types mediators. Then we carried out a descriptive presentation of the case study, the conflict in Southern Sudan, seeking to discuss the implications of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and its subsequent implementation in 2005. In this case, we sought to emphasize issues related to wealth distribution, delimitation of borders and sovereignty of Abyei. Finally, we examined the mediating role of the UN and the AU, as a means of conflict resolution, facing these outstanding issues arising from the CPA in 2011- 2012. To do so, we pointed up its successes and failures in driving this conflict mediation process and the maintenance of peace in warring areas. Given the above, we point the central question of this study: what is the level of effectiveness of the UN and the AU as mediating institutions in building and promoting peace in South Sudan? Before the points raised, we argued that mediation effectiveness could be observed in terms of humanitarian impact on the region, actions issued by the UN Security Council and the African Peace Council in curbing violence in the States of Jonglei and Abyei. Therefore, this dissertation is structured based on qualitative analytical, exploratory and descriptive research on issues of Conflict Resolution, International Mediation, and Regional and International Organizations.