Opportunities for peace in South Sudan
In the almost 15 years since independence, South Sudan has witnessed cycles of conflict and truce, with the wave of violence that erupted in December 2013 and in July 2016 continuing to have effects across the country. The 2018 The Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan was meant to pave the way for a peaceful future, with national elections scheduled for December 2022 (since postponed to 2024 and then again to 2026). Despite the protracted nature of the transition, and of peace talks between the government and opposition groups including the ongoing Tumaini Initiative, there is hope for an agreement.
In the meantime, people in South Sudan are experiencing conflict in ways that affect their daily lives and livelihoods. This briefing brings together findings from roundtables held in May–July 2024 in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Jonglei states, and presents the perspectives of state government officials, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and community members on the issues – such as cattle raiding, abduction of women and girls and the prevalence of guns – that are frustrating efforts towards peace in their communities.
It presents solid recommendations to authorities and NGOs on the steps needed to move towards sustainable peace.
