Norway’s engagements in South Sudan’s peacebuilding process

Abstract

Norway was part of the international cooperation that joined forces to contribute to the peace process in South Sudan. The objective of this study is to analyse Norway’s contributions to the outcome of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the role of CPA was in shaping the peacebuilding process. With years of protracted conflict, peacebuilding is unquestionably needed in South Sudan and the importance of external actors in the process is certainly vital. Norway’s engagements in South Sudan are analysed, specifically the actions that Norway took to contribute towards the CPA’s peace process. This thesis argues that Norway’s engagements in South Sudan stems from the Norwegian foreign policy, which has peace as its central point and the ‘Norwegian Peace Model’ that was applied in the case of South Sudan. Also, the thesis presents views and perceptions of South Sudanese people regarding Norway’s engagements. South Sudanese do acknowledge the important role that Norway played in the negotiations of the peace process that led to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the continuation of peacebuilding activities. More appreciated among South Sudanese, is the consistence and persistence of Norway’s involvement in South Sudan throughout all the civil wars. The interviews correlate with the literature on Norway’s role during negotiations and peacebuilding initiatives, even though Norway was not and is not the only player in the South Sudan’s peace process. There are other prominent members like the IGAD, the US, UN and the World Bank. By applying social constructivism theory, this thesis argues that Norway, in the case of South Sudan pursued the international goals that go beyond conventional International Relations (IR) theories of realism and liberalism. Norway continues to promote its image as a ‘peaceful nation’ in South Sudan and beyond. The perceptions that Norway is a peace advocate domestically and in the international politics, have given Norway a status and an image as a ‘peaceful nation’. Norway’s action confirms this peaceful image and is promoted in their continual effort in peace initiatives in South Sudan and beyond.