South Sudan’s Government Launches Two Key Peacebuilding Initiatives

South Sudan has launched two significant peacebuilding projects in collaboration with UNDP and UNICEF, aimed at reducing community violence and promoting resilience. Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and KOICA, these initiatives prioritize the empowerment of local communities, particularly youth and women, and address the underlying causes of conflict. The projects will facilitate social cohesion, economic opportunity, and trauma support in challenging contexts.

The Government of South Sudan, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF, has inaugurated two significant peacebuilding initiatives aimed at mitigating community violence and enhancing resilience in conflict-impacted regions. Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), these projects are designed to empower local communities, including youth and women, in their peacebuilding endeavors.

At the launch event in Juba, Stephen Par Kuol, the Minister of Peacebuilding, underscored the importance of community-focused strategies in 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.” He emphasized the responsibility of leaders in ensuring the safety and security of communities.

The first initiative, titled “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” is allocated USD 4 million and is set to span over 36 months. This project aims to decrease insecurity along the White Nile and Sobat River corridor by reintegrating conflict-affected youth, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering social cohesion through trauma recovery and psychosocial support.

The second initiative, “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” encompasses South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia with a budget of USD 4.8 million. It intends to strengthen community resilience and social cohesion, with a focus on youth and women. The implementation will occur in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Mohamed Abchir, the Resident Representative of UNDP South Sudan, stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts in tackling violence’s root causes. 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 expressed gratitude towards 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. These projects belong to the people of South Sudan, and we must all work together to make them successful.”

Pia Philip, the undersecretary at the peacebuilding ministry, urged community involvement, asserting the project’s aim to build resilience among youth, women, and organized forces while addressing challenges like checkpoints along the White Nile and Sobat River. He noted that this day marks a vital milestone in striving for sustainable peace through community engagement.

Furthermore, the initiatives will tackle violent extremism through peace education, countering hate speech, and providing economic opportunities for both youth and women. The Peacebuilding Fund Project will innovate for conflict management and reinforce local mechanisms, enabling youth and women to gain skills that foster their resilience and participation in peace processes.

The Ministry of Peacebuilding confirmed its dedication to collaborating with civil society and local communities for the success of the projects. Minister Par stated, “Juba is not South Sudan. South Sudan is out there, where our people are. We must work with traditional leadership, youth, and women to achieve the objectives of this project.”

These initiatives are poised to generate socio-economic prospects, facilitate trauma healing, and support reconciliation, ultimately fortifying community self-reliance and resilience at a crucial time for South Sudan amid ongoing challenges associated with violence and instability.

In conclusion, the South Sudan government’s partnership with UNDP and UNICEF has led to the launch of two pivotal peacebuilding projects. These initiatives aim to empower local communities, especially youth and women, to engage in fostering peace and resilience in conflict-affected areas. With significant funding and a focus on community involvement, these projects are critical for addressing violence and promoting stability in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org