Communities First, Conditions for Local and Subnational Reconciliation Processes to Contribute to the National-Level Peace Process in South Sudan
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2024-08-14
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en
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This research was conducted to understand the conditions under which local and subnational reconciliation initiatives can contribute to the national-level peace process in a way that is responsive to the needs of communities. Qualitative research was conducted through interviews with 14 respondents and an extensive desk study. The research analysis reveals that high-level peace processes (R-ARCSS) have not been able to create peace in South Sudan. Therefore, it is necessary to support bottom-up approaches to peacebuilding. From the research analysis, six key themes for successful local and subnational reconciliation have been identified: Dealing with the Past, Disarming the Mind, Development & Security, (Transitional) Justice Processes, Reconciliation as a Long-term Process, and Context-Specific & Local Ownership. The findings suggest that local and subnational initiatives addressing these key themes can contribute to sustainable peace in South Sudan that is responsive to the needs of the communities, if strategically linked to national efforts, through building a foundation for peace, advocacy work and interconnectedness with the national level conflict dynamics. For bottom-up approaches to truly contribute to peace in South Sudan, political will is needed for significant changes to occur at the top. Crucial to this is the implementation of the peace agreement.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen