Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Efforts in South Sudan, 2011 – 2022: Challenges and Recommendations for the Newest Nation in Africa

This article explores conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan since it became independent in 2011 after an exercise of referendum. The article argues that, through an in-depth analysis of South Sudan’s conflict prevention strategies a strong and stable South Sudanese state could be established by national, and external partners. The different conflict prevention measures adopted and implemented by parties include the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, the Appointment of Referendum Commission in 2010, the demarcation of border, the sharing of oil revenues, the organization of the January 2011 Referendum, the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) in August 2015, and the Revitalized Agreement in 2018. It further highlights the fact that, peacebuilding efforts by international organisations and external partners like the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), United Nations, African Union, European Union, Arab League, Troika of the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and Norway have witnessed enormous financial, natural, humanitarian, and institutional challenges with negative bearings on the economy. The article focuses on these issues, and makes pertinent suggestions and recommendations in favour of drafting a new constitution for South Sudan, an empirical assessment of inter-ethnic dynamics and on-going confrontation, and initiating the cessation of hostilities and a disarmament process. The paper concludes that, the failed implementation of the peace agreements meant to arrest and mend the deterioration of the civil war that erupted in December 2013 has left South Sudan vulnerable to continual relapse into conflict.