Conflict Resolution in a Turbulent Regionl: the Case of the Inter-gouvernmental Authority on Development in Sudan.

In 1996, during a second decade of severe droughts and fa mine, an Intergouvernemental Authority was established by Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan to focus on the problems of drought and desertification. At the same time, however, this Authority inevitably took upon it the related tasks of conflict resolution and develomment. Later on Uganda and Eritrea joined the renamed Intergouvernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). An overview is given of conflicts in the region, and in Sudan. What the paper concentrates on, however, is IGAD's patient and apparently quite effective role in managing and resolving conflict, especially within Sudan itself. Appropriate details are given, stubborn and shifting positions of governments and rebel movements in Sudan are summarised, and concluding recommendations, warnings and encouragements are provided.