Abstract:
The Sudanese conflict began in August 1955 before attaining its independence in January 1956. Numerous efforts made by sequential Sudanese regimes and other actors to resolve the conflict failed. The letdown led the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) to invite IGAD, a sub-regional organization in 1993 to assist. The IGAD intervention culminated in the signing of the CPA in 2005 between the protagonists. The main objective of this study was to examine the contributions of IGAD in conflict resolution in South Sudan (2013-2018). This study employed qualitative research approach to examine the role of a sub-regional organization in conflict resolution in South Sudan. The research employed a case study design whereby the contributions of IGAD in conflict resolution in South Sudan between 2013- 2018 was the main subject of analysis. In this study, data was collected through secondary sources which included academic journal articles, books, and reports. Data collected was then analyzed qualitatively and by content analysis. The data collected was presented in the form of tables and charts. The main recommendation of this study is that there is need to bolster inclusivity especially of the civil society and other political parties apart from the ruling and opposition party. There is need to cultivate trust between the SPLM and the government of South Sudan through continuous multi-stakeholder engagements. Finally, there is need to enhance dissemination of peace messages and advocacy among the people of South Sudan as a way of entrenching peace and peacebuilding initiatives.
