South Sudan and the UN

As noted in the Golden article (see 2 posts ago),  The United Nations needs to rededicate itself to peace in Sudan.  To this lever in providing peace, I couldn't agree more.  In many ways the Sudan-South Sudan conflict in a perfect venue for the UN to work in.  Many detractors find the UN to be a weak instrument, especially through the filter of the divided Security Council.  This crisis is an example of when the UN can take a lead role in effectively promoting peace.

On May 2, the Security Council unanimously endorsed a resolution demanding both sides to end hostilities and resume negotiations, with appropriate measures leveled for failure to do so, in Resolution 2046 (2012) http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10632.doc.htm

Specifically to cessation of hostilities, both sides are to unconditionally withdraw forces from the others' territory, place appropriate border security within a week, and cease hostile propaganda and inflammatory statements in the media.

The resumed negotiation portion of the request includes a timeline of three months to conclude negotiations on:

• Oil and associated payments,
• The stautus of nationals of each side in the others country,
• resolution of border claims, and
• the final status of Abyei.

Resolution 2046 is an outstanding document, insofar as it is neutral in tone, and demands specific actions to be taken within a defined time.

There are certainly foreseeable problems with accomplishing the steps 2046 recommends.  Foremest of these is the high degree of animosity between the countries.  The second is the damage done in the recent outbreak, particularly in Helgig.  The third are the issues not addressed in 2046, specifically, the anti-government forces in South Sudan actively resisting, and perhaps receiving aid from Sudan, and the rebellions in South Khordofan and Blue Nile, Sudan provinces, perhaps receiving aid from South Sudan.

I feel that both countries would benefit by complying with Resolution 2046 as soon as practical.  It is important to note, though, that this resolution merely ends current hostilities.  Peace will be a lot tougher to find.