The head of the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRD) Secretariat, James Bidal, has called on South Sudanese citizens to take proactive steps in promoting peace within their communities. With the country preparing for general elections in December, Bidal emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of electoral instability. He highlighted that violence often begins long before the actual voting process, citing inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and disinformation as key triggers.
Bidal pointed out that women play a crucial role in preventing violence and promoting peace. He noted that when empowered as leaders and peacebuilders, women can serve as the first line of defense against rumors, disinformation, and hopelessness within their communities. According to Bidal, women are indispensable throughout every phase of the electoral process, acting as voters, electoral officers, candidates, and community leaders.
The rights activist also addressed the challenges that often arise after election results are announced. He noted that communities can become divided, with supporters of losing candidates sometimes becoming disgruntled and creating friction across societal lines. Bidal asked, “How, then, do we prepare ourselves to restore peace, live in harmony, and counter potential violence?” He emphasized the need for collective effort and proactive community engagement to ensure a peaceful and successful election.
Jenifer Bangbe, Gender and Peace Monitoring Focal Point at the National Ministry of Peacebuilding, echoed Bidal's sentiments. She stressed that preparing for elections is a continuous process that encompasses pre-election, polling day, and post-election phases. Bangbe emphasized that the level of preparation now will determine the nation's outcome and that collective effort and shared responsibility are essential for a peaceful and successful election.
Bangbe highlighted the central role of women in maintaining social stability during tense political periods. She noted that women have a direct influence on the choices of their family members, particularly men, and that it is their primary responsibility to stand firm and use their voices to ensure that the country stays on the path toward peace. Bangbe also emphasized that no single institution can deliver a peaceful and successful election on its own.
Rosemary Kabaki, Head of Mission at Nonviolent Peaceforce, reinforced the necessity of continuous, deliberate planning for a peaceful election. She noted that women possess the organizational power required to lead peace efforts across the country. Kabaki expressed her admiration for the spirit and resilience of the South Sudanese people, stating that they continue to inspire immense hope for the future.
The workshop, which brought together various stakeholders, aimed to promote peace and prevent conflict triggers ahead of the general elections. The participants, including women and men, were encouraged to take proactive steps in promoting peace within their communities. The event highlighted the importance of collective effort and community engagement in ensuring a peaceful and successful election.
Key points
- Women play a crucial role in preventing violence and promoting peace in South Sudan.
- Preparing for elections is a continuous process that requires collective effort and proactive community engagement.
- Addressing the root causes of electoral instability is essential to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful election.
