Author(s)

Joshua HK. Banda

Affiliation(s)

Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.

Corresponding Author

Joshua HK. Banda

ABSTRACT

International mediation has become an essential tool for government conflict resolution, providing a vehicle for diplomatic intervention and conflict resolution in politically unstable regions. As global conflicts become increasingly complex, the involvement of neutral third parties, such as international organizations and foreign governments, has proven essential to facilitate dialogue and ensure lasting peace.

This article examines the role of international mediation by analyzing the Sudan Peace Agreement, a landmark agreement signed in 2020 between the Sudanese government and several rebel factions. The agreement marks an important step forward in the search for peace in the region after decades of civil war and political conflict. The article focuses on international mediation mechanisms, with particular attention to the roles played by key actors such as the UN, the African Union and various regional powers, which were important in mediating the peace talks. These actors provide not only diplomatic support, but also financial resources, technical assistance, and a platform for negotiations, thus facilitating a compromise between the conflicting parties. The Sudanese case provides a valuable framework for understanding the interplay between international influence and local dynamics, illustrating how external mediation can effectively resolve protracted government conflicts.

Through this case study, the article identifies several core themes. First, it explores the complexity of balancing local sovereignty and international intervention, emphasizing the need for international actors to respect the political and cultural contexts of the nations involved while continuing to push for reforms that promote peace and stability. In addition, the study examines the sustainability of peace agreements and the challenges of ensuring that these agreements are successfully implemented. The Sudan peace agreement emphasizes the importance of inclusive dialogue, where all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and rebel groups, have the opportunity to have a voice in the negotiation process.

The role of neutral third parties in conflict mediation is another essential aspect of this analysis. The case of Sudan shows how impartial mediators can bridge deep divisions between conflicting parties, helping to reach compromises that would otherwise be unattainable. However, the article also examines the limitations of international mediation, including the challenges of securing sustainable commitments from local actors and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as socio-economic inequalities and political exclusion.

Finally, the article highlights the crucial need for post-conflict reconstruction strategies. International mediation does not stop with the signing of a peace agreement; the real challenge lies in implementing the terms of the agreement and ensuring that it leads to tangible improvements in governance, human rights and socio-economic development. Provisions of the Sudan Peace Agreement regarding transitional justice, power-sharing, and the integration of rebel groups into the political system are discussed as examples of strategies to promote national reconciliation and long-term stability.

In conclusion, the Sudan Peace Agreement offers valuable lessons on the effectiveness of international mediation in resolving government conflicts. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the processes, challenges, and outcomes of international mediation, contributing to a better understanding of its role in conflict resolution, particularly in politically unstable regions. The findings of this study suggest that while international mediation plays an important role in facilitating peace, its success depends on the delicate balance between domestic and international interests, the inclusiveness of the dialogue, and the strength of post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

KEYWORDS

International mediation; Sudan peace agreement; Conflict resolution; Power sharing and sustainability

CITE THIS PAPER

Joshua HK. Banda. The role of international mediation in resolving governmental conflicts: lessons from the Sudan peace agreement. Journal of Political Science and International Relations Studies. 2024, 1(1): 20-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jpsr3005.

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