Warrap State Youth Peace Talks, South Sudan

Introduction

SSGID planned and designed this project to stop and hopefully the rising tensions among ethnic groups that have traditionally peacefully co-existed in South Sudan. Warrap State is in north-western South Sudan, home to two ethnic groups, Dinka and Luo. They lived peacefully until 2021 when conflict arose between them over livestock grazing rights. War in Warrap destroys communities. Youth cattle raids families destroys schools, and leaves many hungry. Engaging these youths in peace talks with leaders, SSGID can end violence, and rebuild trust. The result is children go to school, displaced families return home, fear disappears, and peace prevails.

Challenge

There are more than 6 clashes every year between the two ethnic groups according to UNOCHA, with reported several ambushes on the roads. More than 400,000 people are internally displaced within Warrap State alone. Several schools and other social infrastructure have been destroyed. As a result, whole communities live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, with poor sanitation, disease, and no food. This project will engage 1,700 kraal youths to create peace for more than 500,000 people.

Achievements

Constrained by lack of funds, extremely poor road infrastructure, and in light of lack of funding, SSGID limited activities to peace talks in Gogrial East County of Warrap State where we have met:

1. 120 youth based in livestock kraals
2. 32 families of armed youths
3. County Authorities in Gogrial East County of Warrap State of South Sudan.

In all the above meetings SSGID discussed sustainable peace and the role of youth, elders, and public leaders in achieving this.

Challenge

With funding this project will go along towards achieving lasting peace in Gogrial East County of Warrap State.