South Sudan has launched two peacebuilding projects, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA, aimed at reducing community violence and fostering resilience among local communities, youth, and women. The projects emphasize community-centered approaches, address the root causes of violence, and promote socio-economic opportunities while targeting violent extremism.
The Government of South Sudan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF, has inaugurated two significant peacebuilding initiatives aimed at mitigating community violence and enhancing resilience in conflict-affected regions. These projects, financially supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), strive to empower local communities, particularly youth and women, to engage actively in peace efforts.
During the official launch held in Juba, Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister of Peacebuilding, underscored the necessity of community-centric approaches in realizing sustainable peace. He stated, “This project is very important and timely because it is community-centered. We must go beyond violence reduction and aim to end community violence entirely.” He emphasized the leaders’ responsibility to ensure community safety and security.
The first initiative, titled “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” possesses a budget of USD 4 million. This three-year project focuses on reducing insecurity along the White Nile and Sobat River corridor, facilitating the reintegration of conflict-affected youth, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion through trauma healing and psychosocial support.
The second project, “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” is budgeted at USD 4.8 million and encompasses South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia. It aims to bolster community resilience and social cohesion, particularly among youth and women, and will be executed in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, Resident Representative of UNDP South Sudan, reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the root causes of violence. He remarked, “These projects reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that communities—particularly youth, ex-combatants, and women—have the tools they need to build a peaceful future.”
Abchir further noted that the projects would encourage democratic participation and create conducive environments for peaceful electoral processes while strengthening local conflict prevention mechanisms. He expressed gratitude toward the Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA for their steadfast support, stating, “We want to thank all our donors and partners for their continued commitment to peace in South Sudan.”
Pia Philip, undersecretary at the peacebuilding ministry, emphasized the importance of community involvement in these initiatives. He stated that the projects aim to cultivate resilience among youth and women while addressing the challenges arising from checkpoints along the White Nile and Sobat River. He concluded that the day marked a crucial step toward sustainable peace through community engagement.
Additionally, the project plans to counter violent extremism by promoting peace education, combating hate speech, and fostering economic empowerment for youth and women. The Peacebuilding Fund initiative will concurrently tackle conflict drivers by utilizing innovative methods and enhancing conflict management tools.
The Ministry of Peacebuilding has reiterated its commitment to partnering with civil society organizations and local communities to ensure project success. Minister Par Kuol stressed that true representation of South Sudan lies outside Juba and emphasized collaboration with traditional leadership and local communities to achieve the projects’ objectives.
These initiatives are anticipated to offer socio-economic opportunities, trauma healing, and reconciliation support, ultimately fostering greater self-reliance and resilience within affected communities. The launch aligns with South Sudan’s urgent need to address ongoing challenges related to community violence and instability.
The recent inauguration of two major peacebuilding projects in South Sudan signifies a robust effort by the government and international partners to address community violence and bolster resilience. These initiatives aim to empower local communities, with a special focus on youth and women, through collaborative efforts aimed at fostering sustainable peace. The commitment of leaders and organizations to work together underscores the critical nature of addressing the root causes of violence, creating a safer and more stable future for South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
