Humanitarian Intervention In South Sudan Case Study | Simulation

Summary

The video script outlines the complex history of Sudan and South Sudan, focusing on the civil wars, ethnic rivalries, and the challenges faced by South Sudan, particularly its struggle for autonomy and independence. It discusses the political and humanitarian implications of the conflict, emphasizing the role of the United States in diplomatic and aid efforts. The script also touches on the difficulties of humanitarian intervention, highlighting issues such as logistics, mission creep, and the long-standing instability in the region. The situation in South Sudan remains dire, with significant internal displacement and suffering.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sudan is a border region at the intersection of the Middle East and Africa, as well as Islam and Christianity.
• 😀 The southern part of Sudan became South Sudan, which has faced continuous civil wars and frequent coups since 1956.
• 😀 Conflicts over oil revenue distribution between the oil-rich southern region and the north-controlled government fueled tension.
• 😀 South Sudan's quest for autonomy and independence gained momentum, leading to a 2011 referendum where the people overwhelmingly voted for independence.
• 😀 South Sudan is one of the least developed regions globally, with nearly nonexistent infrastructure, poor soil quality, and erratic rainfall.
• 😀 The ongoing conflict in South Sudan is driven by personal rivalries, particularly between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, in an ethnic context.
• 😀 The conflict is exacerbated by worsening economic conditions and periodic incursions from the Khartoum government across the border.
• 😀 The United States has significant humanitarian interests in South Sudan, along with a political dimension stemming from its role in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
• 😀 The United States has provided substantial assistance to South Sudan, and successive administrations have been diplomatically involved at high levels.
• 😀 Humanitarian intervention in South Sudan is challenging due to the country's lack of infrastructure, with concerns about logistics and the effectiveness of foreign interventions.
• 😀 Deciding on a humanitarian intervention involves weighing the risks, costs, and logistics, and adapting to evolving circumstances, which can lead to mission creep.

Q & A

What geographical and cultural boundaries define Sudan?

Sudan is located at the crossroads of the Middle East and Africa, encompassing a region that is culturally and religiously diverse, with a mix of Islam in the north and Christianity in the south.

When did South Sudan gain independence, and what led to this decision?

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 following a referendum, where the South Sudanese overwhelmingly voted to separate from Sudan after decades of civil war and disputes over oil revenue distribution.

What were the challenges South Sudan faced after its independence?

South Sudan faced significant challenges, including extreme underdevelopment, lack of infrastructure, poor soil quality, and erratic rainfall, which contributed to economic difficulties and ongoing conflict.

What were the main issues in the conflict within South Sudan?

The conflict in South Sudan largely stems from personal rivalries between leaders from different ethnic groups, compounded by ethnic tensions and deteriorating economic conditions.

How did the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 aim to address Sudan's issues?

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 outlined a series of reforms and set the stage for a referendum in 2011, where South Sudanese could choose between remaining part of Sudan or voting for independence.

Why did South Sudan vote overwhelmingly for independence in 2011?

South Sudan voted for independence in 2011 because the Khartoum government failed to implement most of the promised reforms under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.

What role did the United States play in South Sudan's formation and ongoing issues?

The United States played a key diplomatic role in brokering the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and has provided significant humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. The U.S. continues to engage diplomatically, driven by humanitarian concerns and a political interest in stability in the region.

What is meant by 'mission creep' in the context of humanitarian intervention?

'Mission creep' refers to the expansion of a humanitarian intervention beyond its initial objectives, often due to evolving circumstances or unforeseen complications on the ground.

What are some of the logistical challenges in conducting a humanitarian intervention in South Sudan?

Logistical challenges include the lack of infrastructure, the difficulty of operating in a landlocked and poorly developed country, and the need to assess whether intervention should be unilateral or multilateral.

What historical context is important to understanding the conflict in South Sudan?

The conflict in South Sudan is rooted in over fifty years of war, often internal, including civil wars and tensions over governance, ethnic rivalries, and resource distribution, which have deeply impacted the country’s stability.