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Metropolitan Model United Nations Conference XLII Security Council The Conflict Between Sudan and South Sudan

In the region of Sudan, there has been great unrest for the past 50 years. This unrest began when the British decided to merge the northern and southern region of Sudan in 1956, overlooking any cultural and religious differences. The first civil war was then fought from 1955 to 1972. The war was instigated by the South Sudan Liberation Movement (SSLM). After this 17-year war, South Sudan was granted autonomy, the right to self-governing, under Sudan in the Addis Ababa Agreement. In South Sudan, there is a volatile region known as the Jonglei state. Within this region, there is much inter-communal violence between people of various ethnic tribes. In 1978, oil was discovered in South Sudan creating more turbulence in the region. Sudanese leader Khartoum then tried to redraw the boundaries to incorporate the oilfields from the southern region of Sudan into the northern borders. This and violations of the Addis Ababa Agreement sparked the second civil war within the region, leaving many deaths and casualties of civilians. Many civilians also fled to neighboring countries, such as Uganda, as war refugees. Relationships between Uganda and South Sudan have become hostile under South Sudans new president Omar al-Bashir, who has been accused of supporting terrorists groups in northern Uganda. After the second civil war, the relationship between South Sudan and Sudan continued to worsen for the next 35 years, with more violations to peace agreements and ceasefires. Finally in 2005, Sudan and South Sudan signed the Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which re-granted autonomy for a six year period, after which the South was then able to secede from Sudan. In 2011, after the six year period of autonomy, South Sudan was finally granted independence from Sudan. Even after this separation, there has still been strife between the two nations because of their prior history, religious beliefs,

conflicts about oil, and support of each others rebel groups. South Sudan also relies on Sudan for its oil. This does not work in South Sudans favor, as Sudan has threatened to cut off the oil supply. Ever since the division between the nations, Sudans economy has suffered tremendously. By the end of 2012, its debt had risen to about 46 billion US dollars; it continues to rise. In a region of South Sudan known as the Jonglei State, South Sudans largest and most populous state, there is conflict ethnic 100,000 between groups. people tribal More have and than been

displaced. Rival tribes have been attacking villages, and the people of the villages have reportedly been hiding in swamps without basic resources. Some of the ethnic and tribal groups that have been attacking civilians have been linked to the SPLA (Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army). There has also been political instability under President Kiir who dismissed his own vice president and entire cabinet when the vice president threatened to challenge him for party leadership. The United Nations has attempted to create a solution to this crisis by trying to get relief supplies to the displaced people. This has been unsuccessful because of the few roads and tough conditions in Jonglei. The only means of getting supplies to the people is through airlifts, which are very expensive. The United Nations has not yet sent in peacekeeping troops because of the dangerous circumstances. Five Indian peace keepers and United Nations employees were killed in April of 2013 in South Sudan by anti-government rebels. A United Nations helicopter was shot down by the South Sudanese military five months ago, in what they claim was an accident. The African Union greatly encourages the help of other countries in the crisis of South Sudan as it is a new developing nation. Lack of this help and aid could

possibly lead to further turmoil and instability in this region, an outbreak of war, and problems for neighboring countries as well. Questions to Consider: How can your country bring aid into the Jonglei region and other suffering areas? What can your nation do to help stabilize new and developing countries such as South Sudan? What steps can be taken by the African Union in order to reduce conflicts in this volatile region? Sources: http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org.brief-history-of-south-sudan http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/us/us-pushes-for-global-eye-on-southsudan-conflict.html?_r=0

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