Challenges of nation building in the 21st Century Africa : Experiences from South Sudan, 2011-2013

Abstract

Ever since its founding, South Sudan has not known peace because of the challenges that come with its existence as a state. The problems facing nation building in South Sudan are multifaceted. South Sudan is a newly independent state which came because of secession from Sudan. This research explored nation building initiatives underway in South Sudan. The civil conflicts that continue to hamper progress in building a prosperous nation in South Sudan are a cause for concern. This study, therefore, assessed the challenges that are faced by those who are tasked with building a coherent, stable, and vibrant nation in South Sudan. The study traced some of these aspects with a view to dissecting how they hinder the process of nation building in South Sudan. Peace-makers try to forge a deal with the belligerents, disputes remain, including the division of oil revenues, as 75% of all the former Sudan's oil reserves are in South Sudan. This research will identify factors which have led to the ongoing conflicts in South Sudan with the hope of coming up with suggestions on how the conflict can be resolved. To unravel the issues underpinning nation building in South Sudan, the study was guided by the following objectives: to identify challenges associated with nation building in South Sudan; to identify the causes of the challenges to nation building; to examine the strategies employed by the state in its nation building; and to assess the effectiveness of these strategies. The study was guided by the qualitative research paradigm. The method of data collection is a desktop research. Data were collected from books, journals, newspapers, letters, online books and articles without necessarily engaging the researcher in physical contact. Data were analysed using the thematic methodology and the main themes identified as impediments to nation building were explained.