LocationsInnovation for Peacebuilding: How South Sudan Is Using Mobile Technology to Strengthen Early Warning Systems.
September 27, 2025
The AlertME app is a powerful example of how technology is driving grassroots peacebuilding in South Sudan—strengthening early warning systems and showcasing the country’s capacity to innovate for lasting peace.
In South Sudan, where conflict continues to disrupt communities, innovative, locally-driven solutions are proving essential for strengthening social cohesion and advancing peacebuilding efforts. One such solution is the ALERT ME mobile application—a tool designed to complement existing community mechanisms and overcome longstanding barriers in reporting and communication.
At the touch of a button, even in remote areas, the ALERT ME app enables real-time submission of conflict alerts. This enhances the transmission and receipt of early warning messages directly to early responders, compiles conflict data, and monitors trends nationwide. By connecting local peace actors with the national steering committee as events unfold, the app supports swift decision-making and coordinated action.
“In Bor County, revenge killings after cattle raids once threatened to ignite cycles of communal violence. Families hesitated to report incidents, as slow communication often led to retaliation based on rumor, not fact. AlertME changed that. Now, people report first and seek help—breaking the cycle of revenge before it begins.”
Equipped with smartphones and new skills, local peace committee members are learning to use the AlertME app—harnessing technology to report conflict incidents faster, more accurately, and with real-time verification.
A Simple, Inclusive System for Complex Challenges
The ALERT ME app marks a significant milestone in utilising technology to address South Sudan’s complex security challenges. It provides a simple system that removes language barriers, bridging communication gaps and offering a centralised conflict monitoring platform. It also categorises reports into five key sectors—governance, security, economic, social, and environmental—to reflect the diverse challenges faced by communities. By capturing a wide range of security issues and the root causes of conflict, the app provides a comprehensive view of the risks and vulnerabilities affecting communities across various regions. The ALERT ME app is designed to empower County Peace Response Mechanisms (CPRMs) and Peace Committees—community-based systems for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts—across South Sudan’s ten states and three administrative areas. By facilitating quick and direct reporting of issues from localities to a centralised Situation Room in Juba, the application enhances the capacity of local peace actors to respond proactively to emerging conflicts. This innovative approach is transforming the collection, analysis, and utilisation of conflict data, ultimately fostering safer and more resilient communities.
Leveraging Data for Peacebuilding
Real-time reporting and monitoring empower communities to participate actively in conflict prevention and resolution. Early detection of tensions provides local and national governments, as well as peacebuilding actors, with crucial and timely opportunities to intervene before conflicts escalate into violence. Since its launch, the ALERT ME platform has recorded 1,908 conflict incidents—764 of which have been successfully resolved. This demonstrates both the adaptability of the technology and its critical role in enabling timely interventions. Conversely, 1,144 incidents remain unresolved, highlighting ongoing challenges that require continued efforts to strengthen response mechanisms and address root causes.
“In Magwi County, recurring cattle-farmer clashes were displacing families and disrupting markets. Local leaders lacked real-time information and a way to verify incidents quickly. That changed when youth volunteers and community focal points began using AlertME to report cattle thefts, herd movements, and clashes with geotagged messages and photos. Now, alerts go straight to the Situation Room—linking community reporters with official responders and triggering mediation before violence escalates.”
Women’s groups using the AlertME app are stepping into leadership roles—transforming from bystanders to frontline peacebuilders by reporting conflict incidents and helping prevent violence before it escalates.
Scaling Innovation for Peace
As South Sudan continues to navigate its path toward peace, technology-driven solutions like ALERT ME offer a powerful pathway to inclusive, community-led conflict prevention and resolution. The ALERT ME app is more than a digital tool—it represents youth-led innovation, community resilience, and the transformative power of data in peacebuilding.
To date, 14 early warning structures have been assessed for their readiness to adopt the app. Efforts are underway to strengthen their capabilities through the provision of mobile devices and targeted training. These initiatives aim to improve coordination among stakeholders and enhance preparedness at both local and national levels.
Through tools like ALERT ME, UNDP and SSPRC are helping to build resilient communities and promote a culture of peace across South Sudan. Thanks to the Government of Sweden and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for their investment in technology and their overall support to sustain peace in South Sudan. Looking ahead, expanding the app’s reach and integrating it into broader peacebuilding strategies will be crucial for maximising its effectiveness and ensuring long-term sustainability.
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