The Concept of Self-Determination Beyond Decolonization and Secession: A Case Study of South Sudan

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Date

2018-10

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to examine the concept of self-determination beyond de-colonization and secession using South Sudan as a case study. The objective was to analyze the application of self-determination in the context of international and regional legal instruments, assess the impact of human rights violations by Sudan on the people of South Sudan and analyze the how the concepts of external self-determination and secession were applied in relation to South Sudan. . Descriptive design was used incorporating both quantitative and, qualitative approaches. Purposive and snowballing research methods were used and data collected through respondent questionnaires and interviews drawn from various organizations and institutions. . Findings show competing perceptions of self-determination with legal instruments and self-determination particularly with the principle of territorial integrity. Findings also revealed that South Sudan’s basic human rights were violated. They were denied both political and sovereign rights by the Sudan government. Despite a number of peace and autonomy agreements with the government of Sudan, the people of South Sudan were marginalized and their rights violated with impunity. Denied internal self-determination, the people of South Sudan demanded the right to external self-determination and eventually voted to secede from Sudan through the framework created by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005. The study recommends that the doctrines of sovereignty and territorial integrity must not be used by states to deter peoples demand for internal self-determination.

Description

MASTERS OF ARTS In Diplomacy, Development and International Security

Keywords

South Sudan, de-colonization, self-determination

Citation

Chemng’orem, W. J. (2018). The Concept of Self-Determination Beyond Decolonization and Secession: A Case Study of South Sudan. Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences