Abyei’s Flashpoint for Future Cooprations and Conflict Between Sudan and South Sudan

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to find out the impact of Abyers flashpoint for future Cooprations and Conflict between Sudan and South Sudan. The first objective was to analyze the underlying causes of border conflict between Sudan and South Sudan in particular Abyei region. The second objective was to examine the challenges limiting efforts to establish peace and stability along the border region between the two countries. The third objective was to propose comprehensive peacebuilding strategies that can be applied to end the conflict and build Abyei region with a solid foundation and to clearly indicate win-win solution for the long standing of border conflicts between the two nations.The cross-sectional research design of the study was used and a case study Abyei region used as an illustrative example. The population was 300,000 all the population was utilized for the study. And of which 120 respondents were used as a representative sample. The researcher concluded that competition for control of natural resources and power were major causes of conflict in Abyei region. In addition, colonial legacy, tribalism, repression of government and lack of political commitment to sit and find a lasting solution for the persistent conflict were other factors that exacerbate the problem. At the end of the study, it was recommended that the complexity of the conflict showed that the success of reaching a resolution lies in, among others, applying bottom-top approach for the problem where by traditional leaders and civil society groups should actively get involved in finding a durable and lasting solution for the problem. Moreover, there should be new and strong political and leadership commitment from both Sudan and South Sudan to find a win-win solution. The researcher also recommended the establishment of a bicameral system in which traditional leaders and religious scholars are given a formal role in the management of the society as well as in the local administration of Abyei region.