CIAO DATE: 07/2008
May 2007
Center on International Cooperation
I. The inter-related conflicts and peace processes in Sudan present a monumental peacekeeping challenge. The protracted crisis in Darfur has put the African Union – and the broader international community -- to a severe test. Plans for a hybrid African Union-United Nations operation there continue, but Khartoum remains opposed. Meanwhile, implementation of the north-south peace agreement is faltering, with the UN mission struggling to keep it on track in the face of indifference from both parties and frequent hostility from the north.
II. While many of the difficulties facing peace operations in Sudan are unique, some are illustrative of broader peacekeeping challenges. This policy paper examines the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) missions from the perspective of three themes identified in the 2006 and 2007 editions of the Annual Review of Global Peace Operations: the dilemmas associated with the ‘protection of civilians’ mandates commonly given to peacekeepers; the new institutional partnerships and ‘hybrid’ arrangements emerging to meet the growing demand for peace operations; and the recognition that peacekeeping can only succeed if accompanied by a dynamic and inclusive political process....
Resource link: Peacekeeping in Sudan: The Dynamics of Protection, Partnerships and Inclusive Politics [PDF] - 2.4M