South Sudan has launched two major peacebuilding projects in partnership with UNDP and UNICEF, aimed at reducing violence and fostering resilience in conflict-affected areas. The initiatives, valued at USD 4 million and USD 4.8 million, respectively, will empower local communities, especially youth and women, to engage actively in peace efforts and address the root causes of violence.
The Government of South Sudan has announced the initiation of two significant peacebuilding projects in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF. These projects are geared towards reducing community violence and enhancing resilience in areas affected by conflict, with funding sourced from the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
At the launch event in Juba, Stephen Par Kuol, Minister of Peacebuilding, underscored the necessity of adopting community-centered strategies to achieve 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 initiative, titled “Community Violence Reduction Partnerships with White Nile and Sobat River Communities,” is allocated a budget of USD 4 million and will extend over a duration of 36 months. This project intends to improve security and stability in the White Nile and Sobat River regions by reintegrating youth affected by conflict, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering social cohesion through trauma healing and psychosocial support.
The second project, “Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism in East Africa,” encompasses South Sudan along with Kenya and Somalia, with an overall budget of USD 4.8 million. This project aims to bolster community resilience and social cohesion, focusing on youth and women, and will be implemented in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap State, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Mohamed Abchir, the UNDP South Sudan Resident Representative, remarked on the collective effort needed to address the underlying causes of violence. He remarked, “These projects reaffirm our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that communities… have the tools they need to build a peaceful future.”
Pia Philip, an undersecretary within the peacebuilding ministry, emphasized the necessity for community involvement in these initiatives, stating, “This project aims to build resilience among young people, women, and organized forces, while reducing the challenges posed by checkpoints along the White Nile and Sobat River.”
Moreover, the projects encompass education and economic empowerment components, countering hate speech and violent extremism. The Ministry of Peacebuilding has committed to collaboration with civil society and local communities to ensure project success. Minister Par remarked, “Juba is not South Sudan. South Sudan is out there, where our people are.”
These peacebuilding projects are anticipated to yield socio-economic benefits, facilitate trauma healing, and promote reconciliation, ultimately enabling communities in South Sudan to achieve greater self-reliance and resilience. The launch of these initiatives is particularly timely given the ongoing challenges of community violence and instability faced by the country.
The Government of South Sudan’s launch of two peacebuilding projects demonstrates a commitment to mitigating community violence and enhancing resilience in conflict-affected regions. By focusing on community-centered approaches, these initiatives will empower local populations, particularly women and youth, enabling their active participation in peace processes. Moreover, as these projects address the root causes of violence and promote socio-economic opportunities, they represent a significant step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
