China's Conflict Resolution in Mali

 The Stimson Center published on 26 January 2024 a study titled "China's Conflict Resolution and Mediation Approach in Mali" by Lina Benabdallah, Wake Forest University.  

The study examines the drivers of China's cautious approach to conflict resolution and mediation in the Sahel region with a case study of Mali.  The author argues that China seeks to avoid diplomatic entanglements with Western powers while protecting its economic and security interests.

Transitional Justice in Somalia

 The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies published in January 2024 a study titled "Transitional Justice in Clan-based Societies: Case Study Somalia" by Yusuf Hassan.

After decades of civil war, Somalia stands on the precipice of recovery.  Yet, Somalia's path to recovery remains precariously balanced.  Tribal violence and extremist ideologies continue to ripple through the country, and political factions, intractably entangled in ceaseless power struggles threaten the fragile momentum.  A fundamental shift in approach is needed to solidify Somalia's path towards recovery and stability.  

Turkey's Assistance Model in Somalia

The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) published in 2016 a study titled "Turkey's Assistance Model in Somalia: Achieving Much with Little" by Mahad Wasuge, a researcher at HIPS.

The study notes that Turkey has become one of the most prominent donors in Somalia, eclipsing many traditional donors both in quantity and quality of assistance.  Turkey enjoys a rock star status among many Somalis.  Its assistance model combines development, peace-building, and business.  At the same time, some Somalis criticize Turkey for being Mogadishu-centric and being an uncritical ally of the Federal Government of Somalia. 

Local Peace Processes in Sudan and South Sudan

The US Institute of Peace (USIP) published on 6 May 2014 a report titled "Local Peace Processes in Sudan and South Sudan" by Jacqueline H. Wilson, a senior program officer at USIP's Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding.

The author notes that local and intercommunal violence continues unabated.  Local conflicts related to cattle raids and grazing rights and persistent national conflicts are inextricably linked in Sudan and South Sudan, complicating efforts to reduce violence and build sustainable peace.  She argues that smaller, more regular meetings focused on a limited number of agenda items are likely to have greater effect than large conferences addressing many topics.

South Sudan Is "New Chapter" in Chinese Conflict Resoution Policy

Reuters interviewed Zhong Jianhua, China's special representative for African Affairs, in Beijing on 10 February 2014.  Michael Martina then wrote an intriguing article titled "South Sudan Marks New Foreign Policy Chapter for China: Official" the following day.  The article suggests that China may be changing its policy on conflicts in Africa.

Zhong told Reuters that "China should be engaging more in peace and security solutions for any conflict" in South Sudan.  He added that this "is a challenge for China.  This is something new for us . . . It is a new chapter for Chinese foreign affairs."  The article suggested there are signs that China is ready to put more pressure on Juba to avoid a return to fighting if a deal is reached among conflicting parties.  Zhong said China would proceed cautiously and offered few details how China would expand its role.  He emphasized that the situation calls for an African solution by African parties. He also refused to take a position on the involvement of Ugandan forces in South Sudan.

It is too early to tell whether Ambassador Zhong's comments foretell a real change in China's policy on efforts to resolve conflict in African countries where China has significant interests at stake.  At a minimum, however, China's actions in South Sudan merit close attention as they may signal a break with the past. 

China's Relations with Sudan and South Sudan

The Winter 2012 issue of Global Review, which is published by the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), is devoted to China's relations with Sudan and South Sudan.  The UK non-governmental organization, Saferworld, collaborated with SIIS on this project.

Articles include:

• China's Relations with Two Sudans: From "One Country, Two Systems" to "Two Countries, One System" by Zhang Chun.
• China in the International Conflict-management: Darfur as a Case by Jian Junbo.
• China's Role in Sudan and South Sudan Peacekeeping Operations by Xue Lei.
• Development through Peace: Could China's Economic Cooperation with South Sudan be More Conflict-sensitive? by Thomas Wheeler.
• China, Sudan and South Sudan Relations by Leben Nelson Moro.
• The History of South Sudan's Chinese Future by Daniel Large.

Click here to access the entire issue.

Traditional Conflict Resolution in Darfur

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) published in November 2012 an extensive analysis titled "Traditional Authorities' Peacemaking Role in Darfur." The authors are Jerome Tubiana, Victor Tanner and Musa Adam Abdul-Jalil.

The study argues that Native Administration in Darfur has been compromised, disempowered and delegitimized. The war has made it hard for traditional mechanisms to resolve disputes across tribal lines. On the other hand, traditional justice mechanisms are evolving rather than disappearing. They still have a role to play and the chief element in acknowledging responsibility is collective payment of compensation.

Click here to read the study.