Perspective of conflict aspects in Sudan and the role of academic institutions on mediation promotion : the case of peace and development studies center of Dalanj university, Sudan

Abstract EN

This paper tackles perspective of conflict in Sudan and the role of academic institutions on mediation promotion focusing on the experience of Peace and Development Studies Center (PDSC) of Dalanj University as a case study.

The key objective of this paper is to address the dynamic of conflict and mediation efforts focusing on the role of (PDSC) of Dalanj University as one of the eldest peace academic institutions in Sudan.

The paper illustrates that Sudan is one of the most affected countries by armed conflicts and inter-communities disputes and conflicts in Africa.

So, the paper gives a chronological background on conflicts in Sudan focusing on political-oriented ongoing civil war that has taken place in South Kordofan / Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile and Darfur states.

Inter-communities conflict over natural resources access and use mainly between settled farmers and mobile pastoralists has also been addressed.

As well, the paper reveals successful and unsuccessful mediation efforts made by regional and international entities for solving armed conflict in Sudan.

Special consideration has been made to the role of traditional mechanisms and the role of (PDSC) of Dalanj University in mediation and conflict mitigation in Sudan.

The paper shows that the (PDSC) of Dalanj University, which was established in 1996, has mostly adopted psycho-social approaches of mediation to realize its strategic goals and objectives.

In this context, some samples of key activities of the (PDSC) including workshops, seminars, conferences, forum, dialogue sessions and studies and scientific researches have been addressed in this paper.

The paper has come up with recommendations that traditional mediation mechanisms should be enhanced and encouraged.

Academic institutions should be trusted and encouraged through providing financial and spiritual support.