ABSTRACT:

This paper examines the role of the UN in peacekeeping operations in Africa with particular reference to the Darfur crisis in Western Region of Sudan. This is so because Sudan is rich in mineral resources. In specific terms the study will look at the various actors and causes of the Darfur crisis, the UN peacekeeping operations and its contributions in Darfur. The qualitative method is adopted and the use of secondary data will be employed for data generation and analysis as well. The study reveals the different groups involved in the Darfur conflict. The paper further proved that the competition over the scarce primary resources in Darfur-arable land and water triggered armed conflict between the Arabs and black Africans. The two rebel groups, the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) accused the Sudan government of discriminating along ethnic lines against the black Africans, resisted the north dominated west, took arms and attacked the government of Sudan forces. Khartoum responded by launching attacks against civilian populations as this was followed by attacks through the GoS sponsored militias known as the “Janjaweed”. The militias committed serious abuses including; excessive killing of civilians, destruction of houses and farmlands and, severe torture of the Darfuris. The study will also assess the impact, challenges and how lasting peace could be restored to the conflict in Darfur as well as protecting the internal displaced persons (IDPs).