The Divided Movement and a Framework for Peace

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses the events and developments of Sudan’s second civil war (1983–2005), including the formation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the South–South war. It shows how tribal factionalism weakened the SPLM and allowed the Government of Sudan to contain the SPLA by supporting southern anti-SPLA forces. It moves on to discuss how international policymakers embraced the Christian versus Islamist clash as the root cause of the war. This, it argues, oversimplified the conflict and, in the end, downplayed the need for morally redressing the effects of war and for promoting accountability. The chapter also analyzes the key issues of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), including an integrated security force and ongoing border disputes. Finally, it addresses the strategic rationale of powerful states and organizations to bring an end to the war.