Bentiu, South Sudan – May 2025
The workshop was organized by the local NGO Active Citizens South Sudan, in collaboration with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), as part of ongoing efforts to build local capacity in conflict resolution. The training aimed to equip participants with the tools needed to address disputes through nonviolent means and promote peaceful coexistence, especially in conflict-prone communities.
According to Gai Makiew, program manager at Active Citizens South Sudan, the initiative was designed with a youth-centered approach. “The training targeted youth because they make up 72% of South Sudan’s population but are often marginalized,” he said. “Without adequate support, this demographic is frequently drawn into violence or used as instruments of conflict.”
Makiew added that the workshop provided a safe platform for young people to express concerns, engage in dialogue, and identify peaceful strategies for handling disputes within their communities. Sessions included communication techniques, leadership development, human rights education, and mediation skills.
Majer Geng Diet, one of the youth participants, said the training was a transformative experience. “I came here to learn how to resolve conflict, and now I feel empowered to take those lessons back to my community. We must be the voice of reason and the bridge between generations,” he said.
Another attendee, Nyamal Ghan, emphasized the importance of communication in managing tensions. “This workshop taught me how to listen more and speak with empathy. Peace begins with how we talk to one another, even in disagreement,” she said.
The event also featured breakout group discussions, real-life case studies, and interactive role-plays to encourage practical application of peacebuilding techniques. Organizers noted that such trainings are crucial in areas like Unity State, which continue to grapple with the lingering effects of civil war, communal tensions, and political instability.
Bentiu’s IDP camp—one of the largest in the country—has often been the flashpoint of intercommunal violence. Efforts like these are seen as essential steps in rebuilding trust and restoring hope among displaced populations.
Representatives from local government praised the workshop and pledged to support more youth-focused peacebuilding programs. Civil society actors called for the expansion of similar initiatives across other counties in Unity State.
“This is not a one-time event,” Makiew stressed. “Peacebuilding is a long-term investment, and we will continue working with communities to ensure that young people lead the charge toward a peaceful and united South Sudan.”
