By Sabri Dibaco
Community leaders from across Juba County have vowed to enhance peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and accountability following a three-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) with support from Oxfam South Sudan.
The training brought together quarter council chairpersons and local peace committee members from different neighborhoods to strengthen leadership skills, improve conflict management, and promote community participation in addressing insecurity and local disputes.
Participants said the workshop was timely, noting that it equipped them with practical tools for peaceful conflict resolution and dialogue within their communities.
James Albino Juma, Chairperson of Gudele Block 6, said the training improved his understanding of mediation and dialogue.
“We learned how to resolve conflicts through dialogue. As community leaders, we now have better knowledge on how to bring people together whenever disagreements arise,” Albino said.
He acknowledged ongoing challenges in Gudele Block 6 due to its diverse population but said the new skills would help leaders manage disputes more effectively, urging residents to embrace peaceful coexistence.
Rahma Saif Rajalai Kisu, Chairperson of Nimra Talata and Ainim Quarter Council, highlighted insecurity as a major concern, citing street children, alcohol abuse, and weak coordination with security agencies.
She noted that although leaders frequently report incidents, responses from authorities remain limited, calling for stronger cooperation between communities and security institutions.
“We have submitted many reports, but unfortunately, no meaningful response has come. We need stronger collaboration between community leaders and security organs,” Rahma said.
Rahma added that the training strengthened her skills in mediation, active listening, and problem-solving, emphasising the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.
Cecilia Idrissi Luar, Chairperson of the Juba Nabari West Quarter Council, praised the YWCA for its continued support to communities, including health campaigns and peace initiatives.
She noted that land disputes remain a major issue in Juba and urged leaders to prioritise dialogue before conflicts escalate.
Emmanuel Clement, Chairperson of Little Quarter Council Block 5, emphasised transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership as key pillars for peacebuilding.
He also called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in community leadership and development processes.
YWCA Project Officer Nemisho Joye-Bage said the training was organised because quarter council leaders play a frontline role in resolving community disputes.
She explained that the workshop covered leadership, accountability, conflict management, participatory assessments, and resource mapping, while also addressing emerging issues such as criminal gangs, domestic violence, and insecurity.
Joye-Bage said the YWCA will continue mentoring peace committees through follow-up visits and additional training.
“We do not stop at one training. We will continue strengthening these leaders because they are essential for sustaining peace at the grassroots level,” Joye-Bage said.
She further called for joint efforts between government institutions, civil society, and communities to strengthen peace structures, stressing that peace requires collective responsibility.
The workshop is part of the Rights and Resilience Project supported by Oxfam South Sudan, aimed at strengthening local leadership, conflict prevention, and peaceful coexistence across communities in South Sudan.