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

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…

What people whose lives have been severely affected by armed violence actually think about peace and what peace means has been a vastly underrated area of research. The PEACEptions project addresses this research gap by conducting a series of mixed methods investigations in a number of countries. One case studies under investigation is South Sudan, a country that has seen armed violence almost throughout its existence, dating back to the Sudanese independence in 1956 and…

ABSTRACT South Sudan has a long history of civil wars and intra-communal violence. Northern Bahr el-Ghazal (NBeG) state, including Aweil East County, similarly to other pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities, stood out in terms of intra-communal violence. However, since the second civil war (1983–2005), larger-scale local-level violence has substantially reduced and conflicts are settled in different dispute resolution forums. This paper explores factors reducing intra-communal violence in Aweil East. It demonstrates that the Sudan People’s Liberation…

Focusing on peace in South Sudan, this meta-analysis provides an overview of the literature available on formal peace agreements – their limitation and challenges, local level conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, and disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) processes in South Sudan. Specifically, it explores the structural limitation and implementation challenges of the formal peace agreements and their legacy, as well as looking particularly at the DDR processes envisaged as parts of these agreements. Finally, it…

This report explores the intersection between climate change, peace, and security as well as social, economic and political vulnerabilities at the global level. The report’s findings show that the interplay of climate change, peace, and security transcends borders and intersects with livelihoods and existing conflict risks. The paper concludes with recommendations for how the UN Security Council shapes policies for addressing the complex challenges arising from climate change. Read more here

On January 25, 2023, the International Peace Institute (IPI), the Stimson Center, and Security Council Report organized a workshop to discuss the mandate and political strategy of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This discussion was part of a series of workshops that examine how the activities included in peace operations’ mandates can be better prioritized, sequenced, and grounded in a political strategy. This is the fifth consecutive year in which these partners…

This policy brief presents a summary of findings about citizens’ perceptions of public authority from a survey of South Sudanese respondents in 2021-2022. Respondents shared their views on a range of governance issues, including about whom they trusted to make decisions about their community. Findings suggest that political leaders need to make more targeted efforts to include the most insecure and displaced populations in national projects if they are to build durable legitimacy. This policy…

This policy brief presents a summary of findings about citizens’ perceptions of upcoming national elections, from a survey of South Sudanese respondents in 2021-2022. National elections are meant to be the endpoint of South Sudan’s political transition. Data collected before the announcement of the extension of the transitional period demonstrates strong support from South Sudanese respondents for elections in 2023. Findings suggest that although elections are likely to support and sustain the political status quo,…

This policy brief presents the headline findings about citizens’ perceptions of security and governance from a survey of South Sudanese respondents in 2021-2022. Respondents shared their views on a range of governance topics, from power sharing to the implications of army unification. Respondents who were otherwise divided about how the government should rule rallied around the value of government accountability. Respondents also voiced overwhelming support for parliamentary input to presidential decision making. These findings underline…

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