Sudan’s North-South Conflict and Civil War

Abstract

Purpose: Sudan has been at war with itself following a conflict that has “consumed the country of 34 of its 45 years of independence and remains the only constant factor in a land whose population has repeatedly been devastated. The study sought to establish the Sudan North –South conflict and civil war. Methodology: The research was purely qualitative. Desktop literature review was conducted. Critical analysis of the literature was conducted. Findings: The study found out that the war in Sudan was caused by both economic and non-economic motives. It can be noted from this study that indeed, that war is caused by many factors. However, the most argued about cause of war is the economic agenda. For example, this study hypothetically argues that the economic agenda was a main cause of war in South Sudan. To begin with, the Government of Sudan was interested in the South due to the numerous oil deposits that are located there. That’s why, as observed by Prendergast, the Government of Sudan used helicopters and gunships to displace the southerners from oil rich areas. Consequently, any move towards self-determination would be uneconomical for the Government of Sudan. In addition, the Sudan war can also be described as a war of visitors as various Governments supported the two warring parties. Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study the study strives to promote academic qualifications and the building of capacities, for an informed academic exchange, intercultural learning and cooperation among researchers in the appropriate academic specializations under which Sudan’s north-south conflict would be best studied and discussed. The study is envisaged as being useful for policy inputs for future relief situations and/or improving the quality of the much needed ‘raw material’ for sustainable conflict management and/or resolution in countries or communities that experience violent conflict situations, which often also demand for humanitarian aid interventions.