The Role of the mediator in negotiating an end to armed conflict : The case of the Juba talks between the government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army

Abstract

During the summer of 2006, the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) accepted an offer of mediation from the Vice-president of Southern Sudan, Riek Machar. The following negotiations in Juba, Southern Sudan, has marked a historical milestone by bringing this long lasting conflict closer to a settlement than ever before. Since the Juba talks commenced, there have been only sporadic hostilities between the adversaries, and the humanitarian situation in Northern Uganda is now improving after twenty years of war. By analyzing the Juba negotiations in light of a theoretical framework, this study argues that a large share of the Juba success must be attributed to Riek Machar as a mediator. It is further argued that two key qualities have been instrumental in shaping Riek Machar as a unique mediator. First, Riek has a long lasting historical relationship to both parties. Second, he has the capacity and will to pursue own interests by negotiating between the parties. This study shows that strong, partial mediators with a close historical relationship to the adversaries may in some cases be beneficial in conflict resolution.