Peacebuilding and reconciliation work in South Sudan

Project Number: 179.1003

South Sudan became independent in 2011 after long battles. However, war broke out again in the north-east in 2013. In July 2016, the conflict spread to the entire country. A peace agreement was signed in 2018 and a unity government was formed in 2020.

Violence between the rival political camps has been on the rise again since spring 2025, increasing the risk of civil war.

This project was part of the 2025 campaign, „Standing Up for a Peaceful Society,“ which highlighted Mission 21’s peacebuilding efforts. The current 2026 campaign is dedicated to the topic of „Together Against Violence“ and the efforts of our partner churches and organizations to combat gender-based violence.

Background information

Since the conflict in 2013, which was about political power and the fight for resources, there has been repeated violence against the civilian population. Millions of people have been militarily displaced. A large part of the population is still traumatized, especially women and children. Even after signing the peace agreement in 2018, the South Sudanese government is still weak, has hardly any financial resources and is pursuing other interests instead of taking care of social structures. Since spring 2025, the rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar has also been escalating. Machar is under house arrest and is involved in a court case. Kiir suspended Machar by decree in September 2025. There is a risk of renewed civil war. The church is and remains all the more important as a peacemaker.

Project goals

The Women Work Department (WWD) of the Presbyterian Church strengthens the capacities and self-confidence of girls and women, which promotes their political participation and involvement in leadership positions. In several courses, the participants learn skills that they can use in gainful employment.

Target group

Women and girls from different social classes and from all ethnic groups are addressed and included in the training and further education courses.

Activities

Women and girls are prepared for self-determined employment in several courses. In addition to an English and computer course, the participants complete a one-month business management course. In 2023, three female students also took part in a tailoring and design course. In addition, the participants are supported by procuring materials for canteens and tailoring. Regular management meetings ensure the sustainable implementation and adaptation of the guidelines.

Project progress

In 2025, our partner organizations in the project made significant progress in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts: PCOSS, the South Sudanese Council of Churches (SSCC), and RECONCILE International systematically expanded local peace-building structures and strengthened the capacities of women, youth, and church leaders. In total, several training sessions on conflict transformation, mediation, and trauma healing were conducted. More than 200 peace activists participated in these sessions to expand their skills.

The „Healing the Healers“ approach proved particularly effective; it supports church leaders in processing their own stress and thus strengthens their role as mediators.

These dialogue forums and training programs took place in various regions, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence among different communities. Peace activists were empowered to actively share their knowledge within their communities. At the same time, it became clear that sustainable peace is closely linked to improved living conditions. This is because mounting economic pressure exacerbates existing tensions within individual communities and poses significant challenges to peacebuilding. This makes it all the more important to expand training opportunities for peace activists in order to strengthen peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.

Outlook: Project expansion

There is great interest in the training courses among the population. For the future expansion of the project, there are plans to offer additional skills such as hair care, catering and the production of hygiene articles in order to diversify the skills of the participants. A vocational training center in Juba is planned to offer women a space for learning and exchange. By expanding training and providing tools and capital, the aim is to strengthen women's economic independence and promote talent.

Mission 21 supports a midwifery school. The midwives' training is supplemented with lessons on peace and reconciliation. The work of the midwives extends to different ethnic groups. Sensitization and assistance in dealing with the topic are therefore of great importance. Information on the corresponding project can be found under the title "School of midwifery: life for mothers and children". (Project No. 179.1022)
In the project "Education for the future: schools and children's home". (Project No. 179.1010), training in peacebuilding and reconciliation as well as psychological support are part of the curricula. Teachers are trained in dealing with traumatized children. These trainings are to be expanded.

Donations