Where We Work:
South Sudan
2024-present
What we did
The first Community-Led Sustainable Peacebuilding Mechanism Workshop was held from November 19–21, 2024, in Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan. The workshop brought together 30 leaders from various ethnic communities, local government, civil society, women’s and youth groups, farmers, and pastoralists. The primary focus was to address ongoing intercommunal conflicts in Jonglei State, including cattle raiding, revenge killings, child abductions, and land disputes. Participants engaged in stakeholder dialogues and collaborative problem-solving sessions to explore culturally relevant solutions and develop actionable peacebuilding strategies.
A second workshop was held in Juba, South Sudan April 29-May 1, 2025. This follow-up workshop brought together 42 community leaders and stakeholders from Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) with the aim of addressing longstanding intercommunal conflicts and creating sustainable, community-owned mechanisms for peace. The workshop resulted in a signed agreement and the formulation of a practical roadmap including grassroots peace committees, the use of technology in conflict prevention, and community-driven reconciliation initiatives.
Why it matters
Jonglei State has been deeply affected by intercommunal violence, with conflicts often fueled by economic hardship, traditional practices, and weak law enforcement. The persistence of cattle raiding, child abduction, and disputes over land and grazing rights has led to prolonged cycles of violence. By facilitating discussions among community leaders and stakeholders, this workshop provided a platform for addressing these issues and fostering sustainable solutions. The adoption of resolutions aimed at reforming harmful cultural practices, strengthening law enforcement, and leveraging technology for early conflict detection is critical in breaking the cycle of violence and promoting lasting peace.
What we achieved
- Representation from both Jonglei and GPAA was achieved, including formerly opposed groups.
- An agreement was signed by participants affirming a collective commitment to end intercommunal violence.
- Peace mechanisms were discussed and agreed upon, including joint border monitoring committees and civil disarmament requests to the government.
- Testimonies were shared demonstrating early successes of community-led reconciliation, including the return of abducted children.
