Reducing conflict between Sudan and South Sudan

Transcription

1 Forum: Issue: The Security Council Reducing conflict between Sudan and South Sudan Student Officer: Peak Sen Chua Position: President of the Security Council Introduction On July 9 th, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan seceded from its parent nation, the Republic of the Sudan. From 2012, tensions between the two nations reached its peek when Sudan seized control of the oil rich Heglig. Subsequent fighting took place, and a peace agreement was drafted in May. After the conflict, now known as the Sudan-South Sudan Border War, there are humanitarian, economic, political, and geographical issues that must be tackled. The diplomatic relationship between these two nations are tense, and all these issues must be tackled in order to improve the relationship between these two nations. Definition of Key Terms Conflict Conflict is a serious disagreement or argument over various subjects, and may lead to further consequences like war and political instability. Refugee Oxford Dictionary states that a refugee is, A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disasters. General Overview 2012 Sudan-South Sudan Conflict When independence of South Sudan came in 2011 after a 2005 peace agreement (Comprehensive Peace Agreement), Sudan became the first nation to recognize South Sudan as a legitimate state. In April 2012, disputes arose over South Sudan s Unity region, and Sudan s South MYMUN Research Report Page 1 of 5

2 Kordofan region (rich in oil). After South Sudanese forces attacked the Heglig oilfield (South Kordofan), Sudan attempted to bomb oil rich areas of the Unity Region on March 27th. On April 10, South Sudan took control of Heglig. Sudan launched counteroffensive by bombing Bentiu, a major town in South Sudan. By April 13 th, South Sudan was reinforcing positions in Heglig and parts of South Kordofan, while Sudan continued to mobilize its forces. Tensions reached their height between April 16 and 18, when Sudan escalated military involvement and twenty-two people were killed in a clash in Heglig. Resolution From April 22-29, South Sudan pulled out of Heglig and began to remove police out of Abyei in South Kordofan. Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir refused to negotiate with the South until forces completely pulled out. In June, the two nations began negotiations under the African Union s Thabo Mbeki. Eight agreements were signed in September 2012 to create a ten-mile demilitarized zone, and allowed oil exports and imports to resume. In January 2013, both sides cleared issues relating to oil imports and exports, the demilitarized zone, and promised to restore peace in disputed regions. Disputes on oil and territory in Abyei have not been resolved through a referendum as promised in South Sudan s independence agreement. Humanitarian Conflict Caption # 1: Sudanese troops step on an South Sudanese flag and tank at the height of tensions Though a majority of armed conflicts were resolved in the agreements signed in September, both nations are aware of the pressing humanitarian issues that face them. In South Sudan alone, over 550,000 people have been displaced by the secession of South Sudan. South Sudan s independence has forced Abyei s citizens, still suffering from administrative and security issues, to move out. In addition to that, violence on the South Sudanese border and within the country itself by militia groups like the Lord s Resistance Army (LRA) have created more issues between both of the nations. Both nations see the pressing need to solve the question of the ownership of Abyei, and the dealing of these refugees. With the solving of the remnants of the MYMUN Research Report Page 2 of 5

3 Sudanese border conflict, displaces refugees has increasingly become the cause of tensions between the two nations. Militant Groups Adding to humanitarian issues, Sudan and South Sudan s people face a constant threat from militia groups located within the two respective nations. Sudan considers the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North as a threat to its political agenda, while South Sudan is concerned by the LRA. South Sudan and Sudan face the threat of these forces affecting their citizens. Currently, South Sudan, Sudan and humanitarian organizations face obstacles in bringing resources and security to the region due to the presence of militias and other splinter groups. Timeline of Events This timeline provides a streamlined guide of the important developments on this issue. Please note that this is still an ongoing matter. Therefore, events that may occur after January 13 will need further independent research by delegates. Date July 9, 2011 January 20, 2012 March 27, 2012 April 10-11, 2012 April 16, 2012 April 18, 2012 April 22-29, 2012 May 2, 2012 September 27, 2012 January 5, 2013 Description of events South Sudan gains independence from Sudan South Sudan shuts down oil production, citing trust issues with Sudan Sudanese are accused of bombing Unity Region of South Sudan South Sudanese take control of Heglig South Sudan launches counter-offensive against South Sudan Clash in Heglig kills 22 people South Sudan halts primary military operations from South Kordofan United Nations threatens Sudan and South Sudan with sanctions over conflict Series of agreements signed to demilitarize border and restart oil production Implementation of the border zone, and creation of civil institutions in Abyei are confirmed MYMUN Research Report Page 3 of 5

4 UN Involvement, Relevant Resolutions, Treaties and Events The United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) has refugee camps in the region to aid the 550,000 citizens displaced by conflict in the region through the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). The situation in South Sudan, 8 July 2011 (S/RES/1996) Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan, 22 December 2011 (S/RES/2032) Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan, 2 May 2012 (S/RES/2046) Bibliography Barlow, Genevieve. "Photograph." Weekly Times. Weekly Times, Web. 13 Jan BBC. "South Sudan Profile- Timeline." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC, 3 Oct Web. 7 Jan < "Sudan Says South Sudan Controls Largest Oilfield." British Broadcasting Corporation. BBC, 10 Apr Web. 7 Jan < Holland, Herewand, and Ulf Laessing. "South Sudan Says Sudan Bombs Oil Fields in Border Region." Reuters. Ed. Louise Ireland. Reuters, 27 Mar Web. 12 Jan < Laessing, Ulf, Mark Heinrich, and Yara Bayoumy. "South Sudan Says to Quit Border Zone, Seeks End to Clashes." Reuters. Ed. Andrew Heavans. Reuters, 29 Apr Web. 7 Jan < Lambers, William. "South Sudan, Sudan Conflict Deepens Humanitarian Crisis." Examiner. Examiner, 22 Nov Web. 7 Jan < Mafabi, David K. Image. 27 Apr Heglig. Africaview. Web. 13 Jan < /qp8hdz/-/index.html>. MYMUN Research Report Page 4 of 5

5 McKenzie, David. "Sudan and South Sudan Sign Partial Agreement." CNN. Ed. CNN. CNN, 28 Sept Web. 7 Jan < ST, ed. "Sudan-South Sudan Conflict over Heglig/Panthou - April." Sudan Tribune. Ed. ST. ST, n.d. Web. 12 Jan < +?debut_articles=10#pagination_articles>. UNHCR. "UNHCR- South Sudan." UNHCR. Ed. UNHCR. United Nations, Web. 6 Jan < United Nations, ed. "Resolutions By: UN Security Council." United Nations News Center. Ed. United Nations. United Nations, Web. 6 Jan < Xin Hua. "Sudan, South Sudan Reach Agreement on Abyei, Implementation of Cooperation Deal." Xin Hua. Ed. Bi Mingxin. N.p., 6 Jan Web. 7 Jan < MYMUN Research Report Page 5 of 5