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…
repository
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 article examines the intersection between chiefs’ courts and peacebuilding in South Sudan. The report found that the role of chiefs in addressing disputes and food shortages is key in enhancing peacebuilding opportunities amid challenges, including neglect, ambiguity, elite capture, and the limited power of traditional authority. The article outlines how international aid partners can integrate community-led peacebuilding initiatives into international peacebuilding approaches to foster lasting peace in the country. Read more here
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 article examines the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development’s (GAD’s) mediation in South Sudan. Focusing on the elements of liberal peace and alternative rationalised approaches, the article identifies discrepancies between the two approaches in IGAD’s mediation strategies. It also provides recommendations on how Africa’s regional bodies and mechanisms, such as IGAD, can re-evaluate its peace theory and practice, including considerations on the effectiveness of the declining liberal peace paradigm. Read more here
Based on religious and security perspectives on non-violence, this book focuses on active non-violence as a way of preventing violence. It discusses a range of principles underpinning non-violence. Finally, the book shares different strategies on active non-violence drawing examples from Sudan and South Sudan. 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…
This analysis aims at assessing perceptions of peace in their country by South Sudanese, based on quantitative data collection. The research found that respondents agree that peace is present in the country, however most identify diverging priorities to quantify peace (justice, human rights, safety, etc.). The analysis provides recommendations on how peacebuilding actors can address security needs and related justice and human rights issues. Read more here
This report explores the experience of the African Union High Level Panels for Darfur, Sudan and South Sudan. The report finds that the current peacemaking efforts in Darfur, Sudan and South Sudan have been more fragmented and narrowly focus, unlike the comprehensive, principled, and coordinated multilateral approaches witnessed in the last 10-15 years. Finally, the paper recommends the application of lessons to the current conflict in Sudans. Read more here
As South Sudan contends with a prolonged political and economic crisis, Kenyan mediators are attempting to broker an agreement between the country’s government and exiled opposition leaders. This article provides reflection on how the talks were progressing. Read more here
Making use of the Peace Accords Matrix methodology, this report provides a comparative analysis of the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and its renegotiated timeline, and similar agreements in other countries. The reports thus identifies and analysis critical gaps in the R-ARCSS implementation, particularly in light of the general elections scheduled to be held in December 2024. Read more here
Curious to broaden your search to Sudan?
Try our sister facility CSF