Examining the Prospects of Consociational Power-Sharing as a Conflict Resolution Strategy in South Sudan

Abstract

South Sudan has not escaped the world’s attention even after the signing of the infamous Revitalized Peace Agreement in September 2018 that, for the 12th time, brought the two antagonists –Kiir and Dr. Machar, to the negotiation table since the conflict began in 2013. Even with the aura of a shaky peace, the main question is whether the new Agreement will stand the test of time, going on the history of the failed implementation of
peace agreements. This paper recognises the essential nature of the prevailing peace and questions whether consociational democracy can be propped up during this period of relative stability. Discussions are hinged on the consociationalism theory that contains a broad array of principles, including power-sharing, requisite for consociational democracy. It argues that although South Sudan’s context could favour consociational
democracy, several barriers characterising Sudan’s social and political spheres should be alleviated. We elucidate on the obstacles and suggest in broad strokes the need for solid independent institutions and vibrant civil society, amongst others. We also recognise that overreliance on individuals in resolving the conflict is detrimental to the young nation. Hence, there is a need for a citizen-centred approach that entrenches
consociational principles in South Sudan’s political sphere.