East Equatoria Community Peace Talks South Sudan

Project Story Report: Building Bridges of Peace in Nimule – The Inspiring Work of Francis and Romano
Submitted by: South Sudan Grassroots Initiative for Development (SSGID)
Date: 7^th  Feb 2025

Introduction

In the heart of Nimule town, nestled near the border between South Sudan and Uganda, a remarkable story of hope, unity, and reconciliation is quietly unfolding. At the center of this story are two men from different countries but one shared calling—Francis, a compassionate Ugandan evangelist, and Romano, a spirited South Sudanese preacher. Together, they have become powerful instruments of peace, working hand-in-hand with the South Sudan Grassroots Initiative for Development (SSGID) to heal deep-rooted wounds and create safe spaces for peaceful coexistence between the historically conflicting Bor and Madi communities of Eastern Equatoria State.

Background and Context

Nimule, located in Magwi County, has long experienced tensions between the Bor Dinka and Madi communities—two groups divided by land disputes, historical grievances, and cycles of mistrust. These tensions, like many across Eastern Equatoria, are part of a broader context of communal conflict, driven by cattle raiding, competition over resources, and a legacy of displacement.

In a town shadowed by fear and suspicion, Francis and Romano have chosen a path of light. Bound by their Christian faith and shared love for humanity, they have become living symbols of unity—one from Uganda, the other from South Sudan, each driven by a divine conviction to bridge divides and rebuild trust.

An Inspiring Partnership for Peace

Francis and Romano met through local evangelical missions and found a shared vision: to promote reconciliation through dialogue, prayer, and community service. With SSGID's support, they launched a grassroots peace initiative in Nimule aimed at reconciling the Bor and Madi communities through:

• Spiritual dialogue sessions rooted in forgiveness, healing, and respect.
• Community prayer gatherings that bring conflicting groups together.
• Listening circles and safe spaces, particularly for youth and women, to speak out, forgive, and start again.

These efforts are not only breaking cycles of violence but also building relationships where there was once silence and fear.

Project Activities

1. Peace Dialogues and Listening Circles

Francis and Romano, backed by SSGID, facilitated open community forums where people from both sides could speak freely, share pain, and seek understanding. The presence of both men—a foreigner and a native, standing together—has helped disarm long-held suspicions and open hearts to change.

2. Spiritual Advocacy for Peace

Using churches, local gatherings, and radio platforms, the duo have preached unity, love, and peaceful coexistence. Their messages have become popular across Nimule, attracting not only the faithful but also community leaders and youth seeking a new way forward.

3. Collaborative Community Service

Francis and Romano have organized clean-up campaigns, shared meals, and inter-community sports events to build bonds of solidarity beyond ethnicity or history.

Achievements

• Healing Through Faith: Many families from both communities have come forward to reconcile, inspired by the spiritual guidance and example set by Francis and Romano.
• Youth Engagement: Dozens of young people have been mentored as “Peace Ambassadors” to carry the message forward in their schools and neighborhoods.
• Trust in Action: Local elders from both Bor and Madi groups now regularly sit at the same table, thanks to the trust cultivated by this initiative.

Challenges

Despite the spiritual momentum, several challenges persist:

• Lack of Funding: Most of the activities are self-supported by Francis, Romano, and SSGID’s limited resources.
• Logistical Difficulties: Travel to rural outposts remains hard due to poor roads and security concerns.
• Deep-rooted Mistrust: Changing hearts is a slow process; some community members remain hesitant to fully engage.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement for Peace

SSGID, alongside Francis and Romano, urgently appeals to well-wishers, donors, and peace advocates to support this life-changing initiative. Your support will enable us to:

• Expand the safe spaces initiative to other towns in Magwi and Kapoeta.
• Train more spiritual and community peace ambassadors like Francis and Romano.
• Provide psychosocial support, trauma healing, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to reduce tensions.

Conclusion

In a region weary of conflict, the story of Francis and Romano is a powerful reminder that peace begins with people—people who are brave enough to cross boundaries, forgive past wrongs, and build anew. Together with SSGID, they are proving that unity is not only possible but already happening, one conversation, one prayer, and one handshake at a time.

We invite the world to stand with us. Support Francis. Support Romano. Support the Bor and Madi people as they journey toward healing. Help us turn Nimule into a beacon of peace—not just for South Sudan, but for the whole of East Africa.