Peace Canal

Four mothers from warring communities came together as an act of #unity to share their stories of loss and plea for #peace in #SouthSudan. This Christmas, please support their call by #giving to Peace Canal: peacecanal.com

Taking Peacebuilding to the Cattle Camps: Malou Pech and Ngap Communities Engage in Grassroots Reconciliation Under the @RSRTF Kongkoc Consortium's Reconciliation Pillar, led by Peace Canal, a grassroots peace engagement between the Malou Pech and Ngap communities has successfully concluded at Ameth Allel Cattle Camp. This engagement reflects an important shift in our peacebuilding approach: moving beyond conventional town hall meetings and taking peace dialogues directly to cattle camps, where the primary actors in pastoralist conflicts live, interact, and make decisions that influence peace and security. While town hall meetings remain important for engaging authorities and community leaders, lasting peace requires direct engagement with cattle camp youth, particularly those who are often at the centre of cattle-related disputes, revenge attacks, and competition over natural resources. By bringing dialogue closer to the grassroots, the Kongkoc Consortium and other peace partners are creating opportunities for those most affected by conflict to openly discuss their differences, take ownership of peace commitments, and identify practical solutions that reflect their daily realities. At Ameth Allel Cattle Camp, members of the Malou Pech and Ngap communities came together to reflect on the root causes of recurring conflicts and explore practical ways to strengthen peaceful coexistence. Discussions focused on preventing cattle theft and revenge killings, managing grazing routes and access to water, protecting farms and civilian property, strengthening traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, improving early warning and information sharing, and promoting meaningful participation of women and youth in peacebuilding. Participants also explored the establishment of a joint youth coordination mechanism, shared peace resolutions, and follow-up actions to strengthen cooperation among cattle camp youth, chiefs, elders, peace committees, and local authorities. Peace must not end with a meeting; it must be reflected in our daily actions. We call upon the youth of Malou Pech and Ngap to reject revenge killings, cattle theft, and all forms of violence. We equally encourage chiefs, elders, women, community leaders, and local authorities to sustain dialogue, address emerging tensions early, and hold individuals accountable for actions that threaten peaceful coexistence. The real success of this engagement will not be measured by the number of people who attended, but by the commitments translated into action, disputes resolved peacefully, retaliatory attacks prevented, and relationships rebuilt between the two communities. Our experience continues to demonstrate that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through town hall resolutions alone. It must be built and sustained at the grassroots, particularly in cattle camps where the primary actors can become champions of peace rather than drivers of conflict. Peace begins with the people, and lasting peace is sustained by the communities themselves. #PeaceCanal #RSRTFKongkocConsortium #GrassrootsPeacebuilding #CattleCampEngagements #CommunityLedReconciliation #YouthForPeace #PeacefulCoexistence #SouthSudan #SustainablePeace

Communities Taking the Lead in Peacebuilding: Ayiel Community Sets an Inspiring Example in Cueibet County Peace is more sustainable when communities own their reconciliation processes. Through Peace Canal’s Akut de Door (Grassroots Peace Committees) approach in Cueibet and Greater Rumbek, communities are increasingly taking the initiative to resolve their differences, prevent revenge killings, and strengthen peaceful coexistence. A remarkable example comes from the Ayiel community of Achol Malek Payam, Cueibet County, where community members independently established a peace committee last week to facilitate reconciliation between the Pan Majok Nyang and Yiip subsections. In June 2026, tensions between the two subsections resulted in the tragic loss of three lives. Rather than allowing grievances to fuel further violence, the Ayiel community has chosen dialogue and reconciliation. The newly formed committee is working to address blood compensation for the three lives lost and restore relationships between the affected families and communities. On 20th October, 2026, the committee initiated its first pre-dialogue engagement with the Yiip subsection in Bargel Boma, paving the way for a broader community reconciliation process. For Peace Canal, this is an encouraging example of how local peacebuilding structures are inspiring communities to take responsibility for their own peace. Over the years, the Ayiel community has demonstrated a strong commitment to peaceful coexistence, and this latest initiative reflects growing confidence and willingness of community members to address their differences through dialogue rather than violence. Peace Canal appreciates and commends the Ayiel community for independently organising this peace initiative. Their leadership demonstrates that sustainable peace does not always require external actors to convene communities. When local people take ownership, peace becomes a shared responsibility. Peace Canal remains committed to accompanying communities, strengthening grassroots peace structures, and supporting locally led solutions to conflict. Peace begins with communities, and communities sustain lasting peace. #PeaceCanal #AkutDeDoor #CommunityLedPeacebuilding #Cueibet #GreaterRumbek #LakesState #SouthSudan #Peacebuilding #LocalOwnership #SustainablePeace

Peace begins with communities themselves taking responsibility for their relationships, resolving differences, and choosing peaceful coexistence over violence. Today, members of Aliamtoc 1 Akut de Door (Grassroots Peace Committee) took the lead in organising their monthly cattle camp meeting at Kaguet Cattle Camp, bringing together cattle keepers from the Kook subsection of Aliamtoc1, Panyuon, and the Aliap subsections of Rup, who have continued to share grazing land peacefully. The meeting demonstrated how local peace structures are increasingly taking ownership of peacebuilding efforts within cattle camps. Akut de Door members led discussions on the importance of social cohesion, mutual respect, peaceful sharing of grazing resources, and strengthening relationships among neighbouring communities. Drawing lessons from the recurring violence between Kuei and Gak communities, Akut de Door members discouraged communal alliances that fuel conflict and retaliation. Instead, they encouraged cattle camp youth and elders to build relationships based on trust, dialogue, and collective responsibility for peace. One encouraging moment came from Panyuon elder Monyakolde Thokriel, who expressed appreciation for the peaceful coexistence his community has enjoyed in Aliamtoc 1. He acknowledged the positive relationships among the communities, particularly the absence of hostile propaganda, cattle theft, and disputes over cattle exchanges. This is what community-led peacebuilding looks like: local structures taking the initiative, influencing attitudes and behaviours, and helping pastoralist communities manage their differences without resorting to violence. For Peace Canal, the growing leadership of Akut de Door within cattle camps demonstrates that sustainable peace is possible when communities themselves become the drivers of change. Through continued dialogue, trust-building, and shared responsibility, pastoralist communities are showing that grazing land can be shared peacefully and relationships strengthened across communal boundaries. Peace is not only about ending violence; it is also about building relationships that prevent violence from happening again. #PeaceCanal #AkutDeDoor #CommunityLedPeacebuilding #SocialCohesion #CattleCampPeace #PeaceInPractice #SWISS #POF2 #LakesState #SouthSudan.

Peace Canal Calls for an End to Renewed Violence Among Kuei and Pakam of Dinka Agar Communities in Rumbek, Lakes State For the past six years, the communities of Dinka Agar have invested their time, energy, and commitment in building peace, having experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of intra- and inter-communal conflicts that once tore apart their social fabric, destroyed livelihoods, and claimed innocent lives. Throughout this journey, Peace Canal has walked alongside the communities, creating safe spaces for dialogue, reconciliation, and finding common ground. Through the Akut de Door (Grassroots Peace Committees) and the collective efforts of community leaders, youth, women, local authorities, and other stakeholders, Dinka Agar communities have demonstrated that peace is possible when people choose dialogue over violence. Today, the Dinka Agar peace process serves as a learning model for other communities seeking to overcome their differences and find common ground, just as the Dinka Agar communities have done over the years. It is therefore with deep sadness and concern that Peace Canal learned of the renewed violence on 8 and 9 October 2026 between the Kuei community (Nyang and Amothnhom) and the Pakam community (Gak subsection), which resulted in the loss of lives and looting of property in Rumbek, Lakes State. Peace Canal strongly appeals to the Kuei and Pakam communities, and all other Dinka Agar communities, to immediately stop further violence, exercise restraint, and embrace peaceful dialogue. We urge community leaders, chiefs, youth representatives, and Akut de Door members to use their influence to calm tensions, discourage revenge attacks, and protect the peace that communities have worked so hard to build. We also call upon the Lakes State Government to urgently look into the matter, take appropriate measures to prevent further escalation, ensure accountability, and support peaceful resolution of the conflict. Peace Canal extends its heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and stands in solidarity with everyone affected by this tragic violence, and wishes those wounded speedy healing and recovery. Six years of investment in peace must not be undone by renewed violence. The people of Dinka Agar have shown that they can resolve their differences through dialogue. Now is the time to protect those achievements and choose peace over revenge. Peace is everyone's responsibility, and protecting it requires the commitment of every community. #PeaceCanal #PeaceForAll #LakesState #DinkaAgar #AkutDeDoor #SouthSudan #StopTheViolence #SustainablePeace.

Peace is not only about ending violence. It is also about creating meaningful opportunities that give young people hope for a better future. With support from Caritas Germany and POF2, Peace Canal has established seven Payam-level Youth Peace Farms in Bor South County, providing alternative livelihood opportunities for armed youth who might otherwise engage in cattle raiding and other forms of violence. As part of its continued field engagement, Peace Canal recently visited Baidit II (Mathing) Youth Peace Farm in Mathing Boma, Baidit Payam, Bor South County, to assess progress and interact directly with the participating youth. The farm is now in its second year as a pilot Payam-based livelihood initiative. The visit provided an opportunity to listen to the youth, understand the challenges they face, and jointly explore practical solutions to sustain their participation in farming rather than returning to cattle raiding and other activities that undermine peace. For Peace Canal and its partners, sustainable peace goes beyond dialogue and reconciliation. It also means empowering communities economically, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for young people across Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) to work together for a peaceful future. Through these Youth Peace Farms, we are demonstrating that livelihoods can serve as peace dividends, offering young people a practical alternative to violence while building self-reliance, cooperation, and hope. When young people see the benefits of peace in their daily lives, they have stronger reasons to protect and sustain it. #SouthSudan #PeaceCanal #POFSouthSudan #CaritasGermany #JongleiGPAA #YouthPeaceFarms #PeaceThroughLivelihoods #SustainablePeace #PeaceDividends

On 6 October 2026, Peace Canal, together with UNMISS, met with H.E. Maj. Gen. Moses Majok, Caretaker Governor of Jonglei State, to discuss the current security situation and ongoing efforts to promote peace across the state, with particular attention to the tensions between Duk and Twic East Counties. During the meeting, Peace Canal shared an overview of its peacebuilding work in Jonglei State and its continued collaboration with local authorities through the Ministry of Peacebuilding. We also highlighted the importance of ensuring a safe and conducive environment for staff, communities and partners working to advance peace. H.E. the Governor welcomed the continued engagement of Peace Canal, POF and UNMISS and emphasized that lasting peace requires sustained engagement with communities. He stressed the importance of coordinating peace initiatives, strengthening law and order, and ensuring that peace partners work together rather than implementing parallel interventions. The meeting also discussed the possibility of a broader peace conference bringing together communities from Duk, Twic East, Ayod, Uror and Bor in Gadiang/Kadiang Payam of Duk County, with strong participation of grassroots actors. The Governor emphasized that peace cannot be achieved by government and political leaders alone—it must be owned and driven by the communities themselves. Moving forward, Peace Canal, POF, UNMISS and the Jonglei State Government will continue coordinating their efforts, engaging affected communities and exploring practical steps to prevent further violence and strengthen peaceful coexistence. At Peace Canal, we remain committed to working alongside communities, government institutions and partners to strengthen dialogue, rebuild relationships and support locally led solutions for sustainable peace in Jonglei State. #PeaceCanal #JongleiState #SouthSudan #Peacebuilding #Peace4All #SustainablePeace #CommunityPeace #UNMISS #POF

Creating safe spaces for women across Lakes, Warrap, and Jonglei States, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) remains at the heart of the Bridges of Peace program Over the years, working alongside women-led groups, local leaders, cattle camp youth representatives, communities, and local government actors, we have supported reconciliation between communities, helped reunite families with their loved ones, and created meaningful spaces for dialogue, healing, and peaceful coexistence. As we begin this new month, we renew our commitment to building bridges, strengthening relationships, and supporting communities to choose dialogue and reconciliation. May peace prevail in our communities, in our homes, and within our families. Happy New Month! #SouthSudan #PeaceCanal #BridgesOfPeace #Peace4All #SustainablePeace #POF2 #HappyNewMonth

Creating safe spaces for women across Lakes, Warrap, and Jonglei States, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) remains at the heart of our Bridges of Peace program Over the years, working alongside women-led groups, local leaders, cattle camp youth representatives, communities, and local government actors, we have supported reconciliation between communities, helped reunite families with their loved ones, and created meaningful spaces for dialogue, healing, and peaceful coexistence. As we begin this new month, we renew our commitment to building bridges, strengthening relationships, and supporting communities to choose dialogue and reconciliation. May peace prevail in our communities, in our homes, and within our families. Happy New Month! #SouthSudan #PeaceCanal #BridgesOfPeace #Peace4All #SustainablePeace #POF2 #HappyNewMonth

Today, Peace Canal joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace, guided by the belief that peace is more than the absence of violence—it is the presence of dialogue, justice, reconciliation, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Through community-led peace and governance structures such as Akut De Door in Lakes and Warrap and Inter-Communal Governance Structures (ICGS) in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), Peace Canal, with the funding its partners continue to provide, continues to support communities in addressing the root causes of conflict and strengthening locally led pathways towards peaceful coexistence. Peace begins when communities choose dialogue over retaliation, reconciliation over revenge, and cooperation over division. As the world marks this important day, Peace Canal and our partners remain committed to supporting communities to resolve their differences peacefully and build stronger relationships across families, clans, and communities. On this International Day of Peace, we call upon community leaders, youth, women, government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society, and development partners to continue working together to strengthen Justice and Accountability mechanisms and build communities where every person can live with dignity, security, and hope. Happy International Day of Peace! Peace begins with you and me. #SouthSudan #PeaceCanal #Peace4All #SustainablePeace #POF2