South Sudan has launched two significant peacebuilding projects, with funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA, aimed at reducing community violence and enhancing resilience in conflict areas. The initiatives focus on empowering local communities, particularly youth and women, to engage in peace efforts. The programs emphasize community involvement and collaborative strategies to effectively address violence and instill sustainable peace.
The Government of South Sudan, alongside the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF, has initiated two significant peacebuilding projects aimed at addressing community violence and enhancing resilience in conflict-affected areas. Supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), these initiatives focus on empowering local populations, particularly youth and women, to engage in peace-related efforts.
During the launch event in Juba, Minister of Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol stressed the significance of community-centered strategies for achieving lasting 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.”
The first project, titled “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” carries a budget of USD 4 million and will extend over 36 months. Its objectives include reducing insecurities along the White Nile and Sobat River corridor, aiding the reintegration of conflict-affected youth, and enhancing social cohesion through trauma healing and psychosocial support.
The second project, “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” spans South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia with a funding amount of USD 4.8 million. It focuses on building resilience and social cohesion among youth and women, specifically in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, UNDP’s Resident Representative, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling the root causes of violence. He noted, “These projects reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence… to build a peaceful future.”
The projects aim to promote democratic participation by setting conditions for peaceful elections and improving local conflict prevention frameworks. Abchir expressed gratitude towards supporters, stating, “We want to thank all our donors and partners for their continued commitment to peace in South Sudan.”
Pia Philip, undersecretary at the Ministry of Peacebuilding, emphasized community involvement, stating, “This project aims to build resilience among young people, women, and organized forces… Today marks an important step toward achieving sustainable peace.”
Additionally, the projects will tackle violent extremism through peace education, countering hate speech, and facilitating economic empowerment initiatives. The Peacebuilding Fund Project will deploy innovative tactics to combat conflict drivers and enhance local mechanisms for conflict management.
The Ministry of Peacebuilding reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with civil society and local entities to guarantee project success. Minister Par highlighted, “Juba is not South Sudan. South Sudan is out there, where our people are.”
These initiatives aim to foster socio-economic growth, offer trauma healing, and support reconciliation, ultimately helping communities achieve greater self-reliance and resilience, particularly at this pivotal moment as South Sudan confronts ongoing issues related to violence and instability.
The South Sudan peacebuilding projects represent a critical effort towards reducing community violence and fostering resilience, particularly among youth and women. With significant financial investment from international entities, the initiatives are designed to empower local communities and encourage participation in peacebuilding processes. As effective collaboration between government and civil society is emphasized, the success of these projects may provide pivotal support in overcoming the challenges of violence and instability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
