South Sudan and Sudan’s borderlands are run by a patchwork of armed authorities. This report reflects on the Sudan-South Sudan borderland economic systems to understand the impact of disrupted oil income on state stability. The research found that economic system and public authorities in the borderlands are relatively stable within their zones of control. However, issues of water, flooding and pollution, alongside the resulting resettlement aimed at accessing market incomes have deeply affected the population,…
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CSRF Research Repository
The CSRF Research Repository aims to support greater contextual knowledge for policy makers, programme managers, and implementers by providing a searchable repository of research, analysis, and resources, and providing periodic updates on new research and analysis.
Area-based approaches are increasingly utilised in conflict-affected contexts and in combination with humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus interventions. In South Sudan, the United Nations Reconciliation, Stabilization, and Resilience Trust Fund (RSRTF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are implementing such programming. Both models are beginning to yield short- or medium-term results, revealing opportunities and limitations to area-based approaches being applied to peacebuilding or Nexus programming in South Sudan. This report reflects on the early…
This World Bank’s report assesses the status and potential of South Sudan’s fisheries, forestry and wildlife sectors since 2011. While the report finds that South Sudan has abundant natural resources potential, it highlights challenges and investment needs in the three sectors. Finally, the report provides suggestions on how South Sudan’s natural resource potentials can be sustainably promoted for economic development. Read more here
The briefing paper explores the structure and the mode of operation of the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group currently fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Focusing on RSF recruitment strategies, war aims and command and control problems, the report finds that the RSF recruitment has fractured the social fabric, affecting its command and control, and that its war economy is predicated on plunder and reliance on smugglers and militarised brokers. The paper provides insights…
Produced by Rift Valley Institute, this report focuses on the long-awaited democratic election in South Sudan. The report finds that there is little incentive to organise democratic election in the country due to several reasons, including limited election investment in the election process as well as the entrenchment of rent extraction among armed actors, and a generalised lack of political will. The report provides some practical steps for organising democratic elections, such as providing safety…
This article explores the land policy framework and its implication on service delivery. Focusing on land tenure systems, land ownership and governance, the article finds ambiguity on the role of different levels of governance, including on conflict mitigation and resolution, and the related challenges. The article provides suggestions on how different stakeholders can discuss issues around land ownership and its formulation and implementation. Read more here
This report examines the policies for protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) in South Sudan. Focusing on the effectiveness, relevance, coherence, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of the existing PSEA mechanisms and programmes, the report finds that several practices violate international protocols on prohibiting human trafficking, child marriage and sexual exploitation and abuse. The report provides insights on how country teams can explore ways of preventing potential violations, through advocacy and awareness raising campaigns to…
Focusing on the delayed national elections, this report explores ways in which South Sudan could organise and hold peaceful elections in 2026. The report identifies potential for conflict around the elections, rooted in the current challenges and constraints facing the country. The report shares some strategies that can be leveraged to promote more peaceful elections. Read more here
This report explores issues around housing, land and property in South Sudan, identifying their short-term and long-term impact. The report provides some recommendations for national and international humanitarian actors, South Sudanese authorities and donors on how to address the HLP issues through integrating HLP rights, establishing land dispute mechanisms and investing in the security of land tenure. Read more here
This report assesses the extent to which customary justice can address massive human rights violations in South Sudan. The report suggested that customary justice can play a role in addressing serious violations and identifies some challenges with customary law applications. These include the power imbalance between various actors, the level of complexity of the violence, and a lack of clarity on customary justice’s proper role. To address these challenges, the report recommends that the current…
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