Women's groups in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, are calling for greater support from the government and development partners to address insecurity and strengthen peace efforts in conflict-affected communities. The appeal is led by the Mothers' Voice for Peace movement and women's associations in several counties, including Budi, Kapoeta East, Torit, and Ikotos, as well as the Kidepo Valley Administrative Area. These groups have been actively involved in community peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
The women's groups have been mobilizing residents, engaging traditional leaders and youth groups, and promoting dialogue to address recurring insecurity and intercommunal violence. According to Dorong Grace, Executive Director of Root of Generations (ROG), women are conducting preliminary consultations to prepare for peace dialogues within and between neighboring counties. However, she emphasizes that women-led groups cannot shoulder the responsibility for peacebuilding alone.
The efforts of the women's groups are being supported through the Incorporation of Local Perspectives into the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (iWPS) initiative. This initiative is supported by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), funded by GIZ, and implemented by Saferworld and ROG. The initiative aims to strengthen peace efforts and promote the involvement of local communities in peacebuilding processes.
Dorong Grace stressed the need for stronger government engagement and coordinated partner support to address the root causes of conflict and stabilize affected communities. She called for sustained investment in community-led peace initiatives, emphasizing that peace requires continuous engagement, reconciliation, and commitment to peaceful coexistence. The women's groups believe that government and development partner support is crucial to achieving lasting peace.
ROG is also calling for expanded community peace dialogues, stronger early warning and response mechanisms, improved livelihood opportunities, and greater participation of women and youth in peace and security decision-making. The organization believes that these measures will help to address the underlying causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace in Eastern Equatoria State.
The conflict in Eastern Equatoria State has had a devastating impact on local communities, causing displacement, loss of life, and destruction of livelihoods. The women's groups believe that their efforts can help to mitigate the effects of the conflict and promote peace and stability. However, they require greater support from the government and development partners to achieve their goals.
The appeal by the women's groups highlights the importance of involving local communities in peacebuilding processes. It also underscores the need for sustained investment in community-led peace initiatives and greater support from the government and development partners. The situation in Eastern Equatoria State remains volatile, and it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to address the root causes of conflict and promote lasting peace.
Key points
- Women's groups in Eastern Equatoria State call for increased government and development partner support to address insecurity and strengthen peace efforts.
