Entries by Abraham Abraham Diing Akoi

The report examines how individuals, communities and public authorities use protection practices during times of conflict. Using the case study of Leer and Bor, the report found some groups’ protection strategies, which are drawn from their long-standing experiences of navigating safety in a challenging context, knowledge of local landscapes, armed actors, norms of restraints and violence and the like. Finally, the report offers entry points on how humanitarian interventions can enhance realistic prospects of positive…

Using case studies of Warrap and Jonglei state, this paper explores the influence of songs and music on narratives around famine, related shaming, and accountability for famine-related suffering. This paper finds that songs have been used to rebuke soldiers for the appropriation of assets during times of hunger, and it discusses how the rebuke can create familial shame for causing faming-related suffering. The paper provides insights on how important songs can be in recording and…

The end of the R-ARCSS transition period and the possibility of elections make this a key moment for peace and stability in South Sudan. In many areas, despite an escalation of incidents of violence after R-ARCSS, increased government control in areas across South Sudan means that many state and county governments are actively pursuing an agenda of stability. Yet, for most South Sudanese, this current state of affairs is not what the Dinka could call…

This blog by Sean McGovern and Abraham Diing Akoi, is based on a recently published research report on social media and violence. The blog explores the intersection between the use of social media, including WhatsApp, in times of conflict and violence. Using the case of South Sudan, the blog identifies how communities have used WhatsApp in both positive and negative ways during conflict. The blog provides some recommendations on how to mitigate the detrimental effects…