The Sudanese conflict, 1969-1983: The role of leadership in the resumption of civil conflict between the people of southern Sudan and the government of Sudan

This dissertation explored the Sudanese civil conflict from 1969 to 1985, focusing on the role played by the leadership in the resumption of civil conflict in 1983 between the people of southern Sudan and the government of Sudan. The analytical process focused on leadership-related causes of the war. This civil war is the longest running in Africa. Sudan has experienced civil war for 33 out of 42 years since its independence in 1956. The only significant break in the war was between 1972 and 1983, following the negotiated peace settlement in 1972.;The agreement halted a 17-year arms conflict. The accord recognized the unmet needs of southern Sudanese, and because of it the South was granted some degree of autonomy. The southern region gained some control over natural resources, including oil. The national government's lack of political will to implement the agreement, and the overall poor handling of problems of the Southerners alienated the people and worsened the already strained South-North relationship.;The human cost of the civil war has been extremely high. More than 2 million persons have died in this wasteful protracted war. The survivors have been reduced to living under inhumane conditions, including homelessness, chronic poverty, starvation, and lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilities; and young people have been denied educational opportunities.;This study revealed that through its actions and policies the national government alienated the people of southern Sudan and, hence, contributed to the reemergence of the civil war. Evidence shows that Nimeiry's leadership failed to consult with the southern Sudanese representatives, resulting in the government assigning inaccurate solutions to the problems of the Sudanese people. By 1980, the southern Sudanese had grown weary of Nimeiry's policies and his inability to satisfy their human needs. Therefore, the resumption of the civil war was a disaster waiting to happen.;The study used a qualitative research approach and historical method to collect data and report the findings. Historical documents provided much of the data, which were supplemented by oral interviews.