“Creating harmony is our collective responsibility”: Tackling conflict drivers in Eastern Equatoria State

More than a decade after South Sudan gained independence, Eastern Equatoria State – like much of the country – is beset by fragility, economic insecurity, instability, poverty and inter- and intra-communal conflicts. Climate change is also having an impact, with drought and flooding causing people to move themselves and their cattle, leading to tensions between pastoralists and farmers. And the abduction of women and children – often linked to conflict over land – continues to affect the state.

With partners Itwak Women Empowerment and Women Agency for Progress Organisation, Saferworld organised a state-level roundtable in Torit in June 2024 to discuss these challenges. This briefing presents some of the main conflict drivers and concerns raised during the discussion as well as reflections on potential ways forward for peace and stability in Eastern Equatoria State.

Read the briefing here. 

Read more about our work in South Sudan here.