WESTERN EQUATORIA – Carrying green leaves and singing for peace, displaced women in Tambura are taking their message directly to their communities, determined to overcome years of violence and give their children a future without fear.
For Sadia Nzodo, who leads a grassroots peace initiative, the mission is personal: to help families rebuild their lives and neighbours divided by conflict live together again.
“We are tired of war, and we need peace. We want our children to grow up safely. The Tambura that we used to know was a peaceful place,” she says.
Violence that escalated in 2021 displaced families, disrupted livelihoods and deepened divisions in Tambura, Western Equatoria State. After repeated reconciliation efforts failed to restore trust, Sadia and other women decided to act. They now walk through their communities unarmed, singing songs of unity.
“We decided to walk around without fear. We are tired of war, and we need peace,” Sadia says.
Supported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the initiative reflects the role communities can play in rebuilding trust.
During a recent visit to Western Equatoria, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, emphasized that lasting peace depends on inclusive, community-led efforts.
“Lasting peace cannot be achieved by the government alone,” she said. “It requires active participation of communities, particularly young people, whose energy, creativity and leadership are indispensable to building a peaceful and prosperous future.”
For his part, Western Equatoria's Caretaker Governor, Daniel Gbadagbu, stated that the state government was committed to strengthening security, improving early warning mechanisms and supporting reconciliation and social cohesion. He also stressed the importance of helping young people resist recruitment into violence.
“We want young people in Western Equatoria to be ambassadors for peace,” he said.
In Yambio, a UNMISS-supported youth hub is helping translate that ambition into opportunity. The centre provides space for young people to exchange ideas, develop practical skills and contribute to community development, including through technical and vocational training.
For youth representative Johnathan Bage, it is an investment in future leaders.
“It is going to be a hub for training future leaders because youth will be gathering here, sharing ideas and seeing how to support efforts to bring peace to Western Equatoria State,” he said.
SRSG Gbeho reaffirmed UNMISS' commitment to supporting young people as contributors to peace, reconciliation and development.
From Tambura's women-led peace initiative to Yambio's youth hub, these efforts offer practical ways to strengthen social cohesion and create opportunities for communities affected by conflict. Sustaining progress will require improved security, meaningful participation and the rebuilding of trust so families can look towards the future without fear.
By Denis Louro & Emmanuel Okot
