17/10/2025
Yesterday, October 16, 2025, I AM PEACE supported by the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission and IGAD (Conflict Early Warning and Response Network) hosted the Youth Leaders of Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and Jonglei State in a Creative Peace Camp Dialogue under the theme "Peace Beyond Borders" at NOTOs Art Centre.
The discussion with youth leaders from Jonglei and Greater Pibor (GPAA) was powerful, revealing a stark reality that while violence occurs in the grassroots, the fuel and finance for conflict often originate in urban centers like Juba.
As the dry season approaches, the responsibility lies with urban leaders to shift from incitement to mitigation. This requires immediate action to cease all financial and social support that enables the illegal arms trade, to actively use digital influence to counter misinformation and hate speech, and for educated youth to commit to inclusive leadership in rural areas without fueling resentment.
Such discussions steer positive steps towards holding leaders accountable and taking individual actions to combat violence.
IGAD's Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism FCA South Sudan IGAD Secretariat Michelle D'Arcy IOM South Sudan Oxfam in South Sudan Hope T. Chichaya Seme Nelson