The Achievements of Ethiopia’s Peacekeeping Operations in the North-South Sudan Conflict: Abyei Since 2011

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigatethe challenges  of  Ethiopia’s peacekeeping operations in north- south Sudan conflict in the case of Abyei since  2011  in  the  maintenance  of  peace  and  security  in  the region. The study followed a qualitative methodological approach that deemed necessary for this kind of research which deals with underlying issues that are usually cannot be understood in a quantifiable manner. The data collection process depended up on secondary data. Findings of the study show that the Ethiopia’s peacekeeping troops which is called United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has played indispensable role in maintaining peace and security in the region. It  has  established by United Nations  (UN)  and  overseen by African  Union  (AU)  as  regional peacekeeping  force for peace  support  missions. The study identifies the following major achievements that have accomplished by UNISFA. These include protection of civilians,promoting stability in the region and resettlement of the displaced people to their home. For  more  successful  future peacekeeping operation  of  the  force and the sustainable peace of the Abyei region,  however,  the  study  suggests thatthe Ethiopian peacekeeping troops are expected to stay in the area and observe the security conditions in Abyei until a referendum to determine the region’s future status is held, Ethiopia  will need to recognize existing situation for regional organizations and initiate them on  how to best develop effective cooperation so as to determine the peace and stability of the region, consolidate stable governance in both countries. Moreover, Africa’s security actors, such as the UN, EU, USA and coordinated international assistance need to involve jointly to strengthening Ethiopian peace keeping operation in Abyei region.