Irit Back’s book
From Sudan to South Sudan: IGAD and the Role of Regional Mediation in Africa comprehensively analyses the full achievements, shortcomings, and implications of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) mediation efforts in Sudan and South Sudan. IGAD’s active mediation was a primary force behind the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the south and the north that eventually resulted in South Sudan’s declaration of independence in 2011. The euphoria of this historic achievement was, however, almost immediately overshadowed by internal strife, which has, since 2013, escalated to a large-scale conflict in the new-born nation that demanded IGAD’s renewed mediation efforts.
The book offers readers new insights and perspectives to apply when seeking to develop a more balanced understanding of Africa’s contemporary conflicts and the efforts to resolve them. More specifically, the book will also help readers to better comprehend the potential role of regional mediation in East Africa, a region with a turbulent history in the post-Cold War era.
Dr. Irit Back is a researcher, lecturer and the Head of African Studies at Tel Aviv University. She has published books and many articles on African Islam and conflict management, including
Sovereignty and Intervention in Africa: Conflict Resolution and International Organizations in Darfur (2015).
Acknowledgments Acronyms
Introduction 1The Emerging Role of Regional Organizations in Post-Cold War Africa 2From Ecology to Mediation:
IGAD
First Efforts as a Regional Mediator 3We Cannot Negotiate and Fight:
IGAD
’s Role in Achieving the
CPA
4Spring of Hope:
IGAD
’s Mediation Efforts, 2005–2014 5Winter of Despair:
IGAD
Mediation Efforts, 2015–2018 6A Comparative View of
IGAD
’s Mediation in Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, and Somaliland Conclusion Epilogue Bibliography 12
Index
The book’s intended audience includes scholars, think-tanks and non-governmental analysts, statesmen, politicians, and students of Africa and international politics.