By Alan Clement
Peace and national unity are central themes of the ongoing Caucus Sports and Cultural Olympics (CASCO), a week-long festival of sport and tradition that kicked off on Monday in Juba.
CASCO, convened by the non-political Caucus Forum (CF), is focused on youth engagement, traditional wrestling and cultural displays which organisers said seeks to highlight South Sudan’s diversity often described as comprising 64 tribes and to encourage tolerance and cooperation through sport and culture.
“CASCO aims to use sport to promote unity, peace and national progress,” stated CASCO communication officer John Agau.
South Sudan continues to face significant social and security challenges. United Nations peacekeeping assessments and humanitarian reports have documented recurring inter-communal and localised violence through 2024 and 2025, alongside large-scale displacement both within and beyond the country’s borders.
The strategy calls on government institutions, UN agencies and civil society to invest in safe and inclusive spaces for youth participation in peacebuilding, including through sports and cultural activities, while noting the importance of sustained funding and coordination.
The festival’s programme places particular emphasis on traditional wrestling, alongside competitions for girls in volleyball and basketball, as well as chess, cycling, weightlifting and a cultural fashion show.
Organisers stated that wrestling contests will involve four counties selected based on performance in previous competitions.
Government engagement in sports development has increased in recent years. In 2024, the Ministry of Youth and Sports presented a Sports Development Policy and proposed an annual allocation of $5 million to support infrastructure and participation.
Parliamentary discussions in 2024 and 2025 examined the policy framework and implementation options, with analysts noting that sustained financing would be required to expand pilot initiatives into regular national programmes.
Humanitarian agencies note that large public events can have mixed effects. Well-organised gatherings may create temporary economic opportunities for local traders and provide structured activities for young people, while also requiring careful management to ensure security and inclusivity.
UNICEF and other agencies continue to highlight significant humanitarian needs in South Sudan, including funding gaps affecting programmes for children and youth.
The longer-term impact of initiatives such as CASCO is often associated with alignment to national strategies, transparent management arrangements and links to follow-up community programmes.
Collaboration among organisers, authorities and partners, as well as monitoring mechanisms, are commonly referenced in planning frameworks.
Agau also revealed plans to make the festival an annual event and to incorporate community-led initiatives aimed at sustaining youth and cultural engagement beyond the festival period.