Based on case studies in Wau, Yambio, and Juba, this paper explores how South Sudanese use cultural practices for self-protection, early warning, and conflict preparedness, and the related psychological implications. The report finds several cultural practices and beliefs used for conflict prevention and protection against a wide range of threats, with symbols, rituals, and objects. With the increase in the use of cultural practices related to ongoing violence, the paper suggests that external actors should…
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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.
This research report examines Murle women’s methods of self-expression. The report considers how Murle women use song, dance, hairstyles, body marks, and beads to communicate their needs, and priorities in past, present, and future, both in rural and urban areas. These styles of communication seem to also be determined by age set, time evolution, and borrowed from neighboring communities. The report provides insights on how humanitarian agencies, government, and academics should consider learning about the…
This briefing paper focuses on the politics of violence in South Sudan. It examines the factors that led to the delay of the December 2024 elections among other development in the country. Looking at the role of Tumaini Peace in the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the effects of the war in Sudan on politics in Juba and the violence occurring across the country, the paper finds the…
This paper focuses on the political economy of charcoal production in South Sudan, with the focus on its value chain. The paper identified a wide range of actors who dominate the political economy of charcoal, including producers, transporters, the public and defense sector financiers, landlords, brokers and security providers. The report highlights the current debate over the value, commodification and sale of forests, and it provides nuance understanding of the political economy of charcoal making…
This report examines the application of pathway approaches to climate adaptation in conflict-affected and development contexts, such as Lebanon and South Sudan. The report found that the application of pathways for intervention design and implementation is quite limited. This report recommends the use of the decision pathway among humanitarian, security, and development stakeholders to design a long-term response to the challenges of climate, conflict, and displacement. Read more here
Through the case study of Juba City, this report assesses the perceptions of basic service delivery among displaced persons, returnees, refugees, and host communities. The report found varied perceptions among these groups. While all the groups considered security as their top priority, they differed in other services, with the host and IDPs ranking transportation as their top priorities, and IDPs and returnees opting for parks. The report suggests that humanitarian agencies should collaborate with city…
Focusing on the Ethiopia-Sudan borderlands, this article aims at unpacking the dynamics underlying agricultural commodity production in the area. One of the main findings is the reliance on migrant labour and cycle of exploitation, enabled by a number of dynamics: land grabs, landlessness, conflict, climate change, etc. These cycles of exploitation are not only found in migrant or seasonal migrant workers, with families and local communities also subject to it. As this article uncovers the…
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…
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…
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
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