Kerding, Matueny Marial Luke (2025) The United Nations in the prevention of genocide in Africa: the case of South Sudan. PhD thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

This research examines Africa's enduring susceptibility to intra-state conflicts that can be traced back to colonial legacies and entrenched tribal and national tensions. Despite international initiatives, the United Nations' Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle has not effectively mitigated crises, as demonstrated by the situations in Rwanda, Darfur, Sudan, and South Sudan. This thesis focuses specifically on South Sudan, investigating the impact of international human rights law on civic protection while contributing valuable insights to the discussions surrounding the aftermath of genocide. The objective is to deepen the understanding of the origins of these conflicts, thereby assisting regional and global organizations in formulating targeted strategies to address human rights violations in affected areas of Africa. The research highlights the critical need for the R2P framework to be operationalized in South Sudan, a nation plagued by violence and systemic atrocities. Through this analysis, the concept of Rapid Genocide Intervention (RGI) is presented as an actionable approach to prevent and respond to genocide and other mass atrocities. RGI advocates for prompt intervention to disrupt plans of mass violence before they escalate into larger, more severe conflicts. Drawing on historical instances of genocide and military strategy, the author of this chapter illustrates that conventional military strategies may be inadequate when confronting contemporary military challenges. Additionally, the roles of the United Nations, the African Union, and regional organizations in ensuring accountability and determining intervention strategies are discussed. This underscores the necessity of dedicating efforts to guarantee that humanitarian support and long-term peacebuilding initiatives can occur in a secure environment. Ultimately, the thesis proposes a cohesive global strategy that prioritizes immediate lifesaving actions while simultaneously addressing the root causes of conflict in South Sudan. By thoroughly investigating Rapid Genocide Intervention, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse regarding effective responses to humanitarian crises and delineates the responsibilities associated with safeguarding vulnerable populations.

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