“Here in Nyara, we don’t rape, we are organized. We are for the peace agreement and we will implement it,” confirmed Major General Benjamin John Batista, deputy sector commander of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition.

Rural women in Ikotos and other communities near Torit in Eastern Equatoria have teamed up to advocate for an end to gender-based violence. The women believe the only way to protect themselves is by directly defending their rights.

A brief, but telling, conversation unfolded in Maper on Monday between the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar and Manyiel Lieny, the Paramount Chief of Gak community, which has been at bloody odds with its neighbour, the Manuer community.