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…
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.
SUMMARY South Sudan’s independence in 2011 launched a wave of optimism among South Sudanese and international observers alike. In the intervening years, however, many South Sudanese have known only hardship, as the gains of independence have failed to materialize. Political instability frequently turns violent, despite continuous efforts to broker peace. Recurrent setbacks have eroded trust among the population while raising concerns of state collapse among international partners.(1) Thirteen years on, the population in South Sudan…
This report examines the roles of women in peace and conflict resolution processes in South Sudan. It highlights how women navigate systemic exclusion and use cultural practices like songs and dance to assert their voices and influence decisions. Despite historical gender norms restricting their participation, women have made significant contributions to peacebuilding. The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting women’s involvement in peace processes through policy, training, and community initiatives to achieve sustainable…
As flooding becomes an increasingly common and problematic phenomenon in East Africa, this article provides an overview of community engagement strategies to cope with its effects in Bor in Jonglei State. With the highest rate of flooding in the country, communities in Bor County have had to identify copying mechanisms in the face of flood disaster, among which notable positive ones are diversification of livelihoods, use of traditional knowledge as a weather forecast prediction method,…
This report aims at shedding a light on needs and perspective of local women in South Sudan in Bor and Malakal, as well as offering recommendations for aid actors. The report argues that despite the existence of several laws protecting their safety, women still feel insecure. This is partly due to the lack of enforcement of said laws, the entrenched cultural norms, and the struggle of women to claim their rights. Read more here
A reshuffle of Jonglei’s state government is underway, precipitated by the out-going leadership’s inability to quell chronic armed violence and raiding in the state.. While the current rainy season will prevent large-scale raiding in the coming months, attacks on humanitarian convoys and low-level raiding continue, with women and children abducted. There are alarming signs that abductions are becoming commercialized, with the money paid for abductees’ release being used to purchase ammunition and other materiel, sometimes…
South Sudan is home to one of the world’s worst hunger crises, a consequence of decades of armed conflict and devastating extreme weather events. Conflict, climate change and hunger have forcibly displaced nearly seven million people, out of a population of 11 million. The World Food Programme (WFP) operates in the middle of this intersection. In 2022, WFP provided food assistance to nearly 6 million people. This food assistance has an impact on conflict and…
Upper Nile is on the precipice of renewed armed conflict. After a lull in violence in the past two months, armed groups are mobilizing for possible confrontation as Johnson Olonyi’s Agwelek forces reposition themselves near key ports on the White Nile, and SPLA-IO and Nuer White Army forces mobilize youth in northern Jonglei and southern Upper Nile. ‘Upper Nile Prepares to Return to War’ — a new Situation Update from the Small Arms Survey’s Human…
Wetlands are under threat globally, declining at a rate three times higher than natural forests. This isreason for concern because healthy wetlands offer a variety of essential services to humans and arecritical ecosystems in the fight against climate change.1 Yet, the governance of wetlands often fallsthrough the cracks of water governance approaches and institutions in charge of managing rivers,lakes or aquifers.2 Emblematic of this is the Sudd Wetlands [Sudd] in South Sudan. Little is knownabout…
This interactive report explores how flooding intersects with displacement and violence in South Sudan. Using the case of Jonglei state, the report finds that the recurrent flooding have displaced hundreds of thousands of Jonglei’s population to Equatoria region, and this has sparked competition and conflict over resources, especially between migrating herders and the host communities. Finally, it outlines recommendations on how aid agencies and donors can address these flood-induced tensions, including a broader conflict in…
Curious to broaden your search to Sudan?
Try our sister facility CSF