Communities across South Sudan continue to suffer from political paralysis, persistent conflict, and a catastrophic humanitarian situation, exacerbated by severe flooding as well as efforts to support more than 1.2 million returnees and refugees who have crossed into the country after fleeing the war in Sudan.
Amid these challenges, the Civil Affairs Division (CAD) works intensively with local stakeholders to prevent, mitigate and resolve communal violence, notably in conflict-prone locations such as Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap and Western Equatoria. It also progresses initiatives in support of safe pastoral migration processes, such as the establishment of joint border committees, to prevent tensions and conflict erupting between cattle herders, farmers, and affected communities.
CAD also works with local communities to build social cohesion by repairing the social fabric and building trust among conflicted or competing communities. Examples of this work include improving relationships between civilians and the military, sports for peace programs, school peace clubs, and delivering workshops on understanding the role of identity in communities.
Community violence reduction initiatives have also built the capacity of local groups to make a stronger contribution to sustaining peace and stability.
CAD supports conflict affected communities to implement specific resolutions contained in local agreements promoting reconciliation and peace. It works at the subnational level to facilitate dialogue between political parties or groups, conducts forums to raise awareness about the peace agreement, and strengthens the nexus between local and national stakeholders in implementing the peace process.
To carry out its work effectively and sustainably, the Section relies on strong partnerships with all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based groups, traditional authorities, women and youth groups, and displaced communities. Empowering these stakeholders, strengthens their impact in preventing conflict, promoting reconciliation and social cohesion, and building peace within their communities.