Alapayo Manyang Kuctiel, Dr. Pauline E. Riak (PhD), Dr. A. Kuol Nyuon (PhD)

Abstract

This study critically examines the role and effectiveness of faith-initiated peacebuilding initiatives in South Sudan’s ongoing political conflicts. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced persistent violence, with over 400,000 deaths and more than 4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of 2023. Despite numerous peace agreements, including the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS), violence has resurged, exposing the fragility of peace processes and highlighting the need for alternative peacebuilding approaches. This research explores how faith-based organizations (FBOs) and religious leaders have contributed to peace efforts, leveraging their moral authority, community networks, and traditional reconciliation practices. The study employs a qualitative, multi-sited case study methodology across three regions: Juba, Jonglei State, and Central Equatoria, involving approximately 950 participants, including church leaders, government officials, traditional authorities, and community members. Data collection involved 91 semi-structured interviews, 16 focus group discussions, archival research, and discourse analysis, analyzed through thematic coding following Braun and Clarke approach. Empirical reviews included recent studies that documented faith-based interventions, revealing a median success rate of approximately 64–73% in mediating inter-ethnic disputes, with significant variations tied to community involvement, traditional leader participation, and resource mobilization. Key findings indicate that faith actors have played pivotal roles in high-level mediation, national advocacy, grassroots dialogue, and international ecumenical diplomacy. For example, the 1999 Wunlit Peace Conference, mediated by faith leaders, successfully fostered inter-ethnic reconciliation between the Dinka and Nuer communities, illustrating the potential of religious efforts to reduce violence and promote social cohesion. However, challenges persist: systemic political manipulation, ethnic allegiances within faith communities, external donor pressures, and internal divisions undermine neutrality and sustainability. Faith actors often face threats, co-optation, and resource constraints, with success rates declining from 71% (2015–2017) to 47% (2020–2022), highlighting fatigue and changing conflict dynamics. The study underscores that faith-based peacebuilding offers promising avenues for fostering societal healing but requires strengthened community engagement, strategic international partnerships, and contextualized approaches. Recommendations include empowering church leaders as mediators, fostering intra-faith dialogue, bridging the gap between national peace declarations and local realities, and ensuring independent evaluation mechanisms. Overall, faith-initiated peacebuilding remains vital but must be complemented by broader political and institutional reforms for sustainable peace in South Sudan.

Keywords: Faith-Initiated, Peacebuilding Initiatives, Addressing, South Sudan’s Political Conflicts.

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