Clear all

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,…

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…

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 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…

Focusing on body marks among Murle youth, this article explores the meanings that Murle youth attribute to them. The article finds that Murle youth associate body marks, depicting assault rifles, army ranks, mobile phones, UN acronyms, with urban and military culture. The article provides insights on how the meanings attached to body marks represents Murle’s quest for modernity and power. Read more here

Due to recent history of war, civil strife, extreme poverty and unrest, detailed studies on the impact of climate change in South Sudan are scarce. Focusing on the fisheries in the Sudd region of South Sudan, this article aims at informing on the impact that the substantially warmer and drier weather has had on their work. The research included direct data collection among fishers and agro-pastoralists, across 28 villages in upper Sudd, to identify both…

Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from Uganda and South Sudan, this article considers return movements of refugees to uncover underlying causes. The study found that due to a number of factors, including gradual aid reductions, lack of livelihood opportunities in Uganda and severe hardship, South Sudanese refugees travel back to their homeland in hope of being able to financially support their relatives who remain in Uganda. The article argues that this phenomenon of returns…

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

Curious to broaden your search to Sudan?
Try our sister facility CSF