LocationsFrance Funds Pilot Project on Community Violence Reduction in Western Bahr El Ghazal State
October 30, 2023
On 27 October 2023, the South Sudan National Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Commission (NDDRC), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Government of France Representative in South Sudan launched the French funded Community Violence Reduction (CVR) Project in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal State).
The event brought together state level representatives from the Government of Western Bahr El Ghazal State and National Government representatives culminating in a total of 90 participants. The CVR Project, led by the NDDRC in partnership with UNDP sustained livelihood re-integration packages for the 250 ex-combatants and 250 vulnerable community members who identified agriculture, welding, driving, tailoring, building construction, masonry, auto mechanic, electrical, carpentry, computer and cooking/catering as amongst the key re-integration livelihood support packages needed to prevent them from re-taking arms in Western Bhar El Ghazal.
Acting Governor and State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of Wau, Hon Elia Kamilo Dimo, spoke one the government’s commitment to support the Pilot CVR Project, citing that all government line Ministers present at the launch will support the project. Furthermore, he encouraged implementing partners to learn from the failures in past DDR programs to ensure future success.
Under Secretary of the Ministry of Peacebuilding, Hon. Pia Philip Michael, advised the implementing partners to test the Convergence Approach – a process where all experiences on CVR will be put on the map for possible exploration and further highlighted the importance CVR as the only way to sow the seed for peace.
The NDDRC Commissioner – Hon Ayuen Alier gave an overview of the work DDR Commission has done on the CVR, and plans in progress for a possible DDR program in future.
Dr. Job Akuni the R-JMEC representative, noted how the launch of the Project came at a critical juncture of the implementation of the R-ARCSS and urged for more funding towards the replication of the CVR project since progress towards the unification forces; from cantonment, training to graduation of at least 55,000 out of 83,000 National Unified Forces (NUF) is evident.
Mrs. Catherine Waliaula speaking at the launch on behalf od UNDP's Resident Trespresenatative
With the unification of over 20,000 organized forces as part of the 83,000 forces eligible for training, graduation, and unification within the framework of the Re-vitalized Peace Agreement, many ex-combatants have returned to their communities without being re-integrated. The CVR Project is the only eligible tool to foster adequate re-integration of ex-combatants into their communities in the absence of a comprehensive DDR program in South Sudan. The CVR is tailor made for South Sudan, because it takes into consideration not only Ex-combatants, but also Women and Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups, the communities of return and members of the communities affected by armed violence.
The project is set to be piloted in Western Bahrl El Ghazel, because it hosts a minimum number of 300 ex-combatants. Intercommunal conflicts between the Fertit (a group of over ten different but related ethnic groups) and the Luo, Dinka and Azande remain predominant over scarce resource competition, including cattle grazing, lands, and various unresolved grievances, such as cattle theft, and cycles of revenge attacks. Therefore, the pilot CVR project in Western Bharl El Ghazel would facilitate the peaceful reintegration of ex-combatants, while supporting the communities to prevent violence and consolidate sustainable peace.
The Representative of the Head of UNMISS in Wau, Mr. Sam Muhumure, appreciated the generosity of France who supported the project representing the culmination of the ideal collaboration envisioned in the UNMISS mandate and the fifth pillar of UNMISS strategic vision - enhancing partnerships.
While UNDP’s Governance Advisor representing the Resident Representative, Mrs. Catherine Waliaula highlighted the key work that has been done by the DDR Commission on the CVR; by anticipating positive deviances for the CVR Pilot Project. In Lakes State, UNDP is assisting the Bureau for Community, Security and Small Arms Control (BCSSAC) and Ministry of Interior in voluntary civilian disarmament activities. This project in Lakes reaches 250 households that have voluntarily handed over their weapons in exchange for a support package. Like the pilot project in Western Bahr El Ghazal, the project in Lakes State targets communities and not necessarily former combatants.
The CVR Pilot Project complements the efforts of the Government of Lakes State, and especially the work done by the Governor of Lakes State to contain communal violence and misuse of firearms. A drop of 2% of armed incidence was reported in July 2023, as compared to 20% in April 2023. UNMISS incidence reports in Lakes State showcase a drastic reduction of armed-related incidences following the Government of Lakes interventions, complemented by UNDP and UNMISS community violence reduction initiatives.
