Youth in Yei River State received a two-day training in conflict management skills to help them identify and respond to local tensions, as well as design appropriate measures to contain them before they exacerbate into major conflicts. UNMISS Civil Affairs Division (CAD) organized the training, in partnership with the Spring for Peace, a local organization supporting youth initiatives in the state.

Olivia Davis, UNMISS CAD officer said the training is meant to enforce and motivate young people in their efforts in the face of the ongoing conflict in the state.

Ms. Davis says the training covers various topics such as conflict analysis and baseline surveys in conflict analysis towards advocacy.

“If youth are taught how to use baseline survey studies, they will be able to use that knowledge to understand what is taking place in their counties, what is affecting the lives of people, as well as the root causes of conflict in an analytical manner,” she said.

Ms. Davis added that the skills gained would also help the trainees to document trends of the security situation in various localities, acting as early warning sign.

James Mugo, UNMISS CAD officer, youth as the pedal of the society play a critical role in bringing about peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.

“There is a need to design new creative strategies on how to mitigate and manage conflict other than depending heavily on old methods of theories of conflict mitigation and management,” said Mugo.

Some of those new methods taught during the training include organizing homegrown community dialogues through setting up school peace clubs, peace debates and sports activities as a platform for inclusive health discussions.

Stephen Ladu, Yei River State Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, said that youth are the most affected section of society during any conflict, because it is easy to prompt them to commit acts of violence.

He warned against the use of social media to incite violence urging local artists to employ creative skills to make music that brings harmony and builds confidence among the people.

Wani Jackson, a resident of Liwolo County, one of the 13 counties of Yei River State, says he has already acquired through the training the requisite skills that will now help him embark on a conflict management training for the youth in his county.

“I have learnt how to manage conflict, share information, as well as engage stakeholders in peace process, because I am equipped with the skills as a peace mobilizer and peacemaker,” said Wani Jackson.

“I want to see a peaceful South Sudan - a country that is developed, has peace and where all tribes live together,” he added.