تطور العلاقات الاجتماعية بمحافظة ابيي

Abstract

Abstract The research is an at.tempt to study the development of social relations between the Misseria and DiIlka Ngok in Abyei Province, in Western Kordofan State. Concentration is only given to factors that bring about stability and social equilibrium, rather than those that cause conflict, as normally happens in previous studies. Abyei is a transitional area between two different ethnic tribal groups - the Misseria Arabs and the Dinka Ngok of the Nilotic tribes of southern Sudan. Being pastoralists, the two tribal groups, equally have the grazing resources of the area. For the reasons of scarcity and seasonality, disputes usually occur over these resources. The disputes sometimes cause tribal conflict. But still, as the research hypothesized, there are many aspects of social relations that developed between the two tribal groups, which emphasize consensus. Many studies have been conducted, in the last few decades, to investigate the tribal conflict in Abyei area, with the objectives of finding solutions. But, in most of them, attention has been drawn towards aspects that cause conflicts. Attempt in this research is to show and emphasize consensus aspects (education, affinity, ... etc.) that have been developed between the two tribal groups, which contribute to conformity ~d social stability. The research is organized in five chapters. In chapter one the researcher stated the themes, objectives, hypothesis and methodologies of the research. The theoretical framework, definition of concepts as well as literature review were also given. Chapter two, is concerned with the people and their environment in Western Kordofan State. It described their tribal structures, livelihood activities and socio-economic adaptations. In chapter three, which is about history of tribal settlement in Abyei area, the researcher described the historical socio-economic relations that have been developed between the Misseria Humur and Dinka Ngok in Abyei area. He reviewed such relations sinc!;! the early days of colonization and passing through the different national political regImes. , The main objective of such review is to chow the main events and disputes that occurred and their impact on the socio-economic relations between the two tribes. Chapter four is a continuation to the discussion started in chapter three. It investigated the causes of tribal disputes and the role of education affinity relations and mutual interests in dealing with such disputes and the other means adopted by the two neighboring tribes to maintain peace and stability in the area. In chapter five the researcher presented the final discussion for the fieldwork information, drew conclusion and save some important recommendations.