CASE STUDY: Strategies for global governance in South Sudan, an area of conflict (South Sudan) Flashcards
When did South Sudan gai independence from Sudan?
2011 - South Sudan is he world’s newest sovereign state
Location
A landlocked country in east-central Africa
Population
Just over 15 million in 2020
How much of South Sudan’s exports are crude oils?
96% There is a narrow industrial base and limited production capacity
What are the largest ethnic groups?
The Dinka and Nuer
How many people were internally displaced and became refugees?
4.2 million people have been forced to leave their homes
2 million people were internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 2.2 million refugees
How many are at risk of food insecurity due to conflict?
8 million, with 1 in 3 children suffering from malnutrition
How many people require humanitarian assistance?
an estimated 7 million people
How is poverty within South Sudan?
Acute and widespread with 82% of the population living below the global poverty line of US$1.90 per day
What basic infrastructure does South Sudan lack?
Paved roads, electricity, and water supplies
What has the government invested in?
Focused on defence and security rather than on sectors that would help reduce poverty
HDI
Has gradually declined since independence in 2019, its ranking was 0.413 - 186th
What has caused South Sudan’s power and sovereignty to weaken?
Government failure to meet its responsibility to protect its citizens
What has been necessary to resolve conflict and ease suffering in South Sudan?
Intervention by the international community
What does effective intervention depend on?
Co-operation between the UN, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development for Eastern Africa (IGAD) and its partners, and many NGOs
The United Nations (UN)
This intervention involves flows of people (peacekeeping personnel), money (funding from the UN and NGOs), ideas (based on field research and monitoring) and technology (biometric registration, medicines) into South Sudan
The South Sudanese Government
In 2013, political infighting between President Kiir (Dinka) and Vice-president Machar (Nuer) turned into serious armed conflict - an intense civil war fought along ethnic lines. Intervention became necessary because the government was failing to protect its citizens and a humanitarian crisis was escalating. This conflict made interactions with the UN and NGOs very difficult
‘Revitalised Transnational Government of National Unity’ (R-TGoUN)
By 2020 this had been formed following power-sharing agreement between Kiir and the rebel parties, including Machar. This brought the prospect of co-operation and peace to South Sudan
Intergovernmental Authority on Development for Eastern Africa (IGAD)
Played an important role in mediating the process of peace and co-operation within South Sudan.
What major obstacles are there to overcome?
Peace has been jeopardised by Kiir and Machar disagreeing on sharing control of the country’s 10 states. In addition, there have been UN reports of looting of humanitarian supplies by armed youth groups, roadside attacks interfering with aid operations, mismanagement of government spending on services, government officials pillaging public funds, dissident communities being marginalised and continued inter-communal conflict by cattle raiding in the dry seasons
NGOs in South Sudan
The South Sudan NGO Forum is a platform through which NGOs, national government, the UN and donors can share information, establish state-level co-ordination and develop guidelines for effective aid strategies
How many national NGOs are there?
263, such as Upper Nile Youth Development Organisation and Grass-Root integrated Network for Development (GRIND)
How many international NGOs are there?
116, such as World Vision International, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children and Care International
What are the benefits of global governance of conflict for local communities?
Emergency food supplies
Food security
Family reunification, child and maternal health
Education
Health, disease control
Protection, Shelter
Infrastructure, accessibility
