CODEP launches Peace Building Project to Conflict-Affected Areas in Western Equatoria State
CODEP launches Peace Building Project to Conflict-Affected Areas in Western Equatoria State
By Baraka John
A Peace-building project for conflict-affected areas of Western Equatoria State has been launched this morning by the Catholic organization for peace and development.
The 12 - months project funded by the US embassy in South Sudan, is to increase social cohesion within Western Equatoria State and to reduce the risk of inter-communal violence at the local level through dialogue processes.
Addressing the invited guests on the launching of the project, the director of the Catholic Organization for Peace and Development (CODEP) Fr. Charles, added that the project of peace-building activities also aims to mitigate the risk of figure conflicts by creating a local conflict management mechanism.
“Western Equatoria we shall be focusing on Tambura, Ezo, Maridi, and other places, because this peace-building project is not only for two tribes of Western Equatoria but it is for the tribes living here in the State. Our country needs peace in order to move ahead, everyone who has experienced this conflict in greater Tambura and other parts of the State is traumatized”. Fr. Charles said
The project will also cover components of capacity building for local authorities and local leaders to enable them peacefully address conflicts in their areas. Also, involve community members in conflict scans and dialogue meetings.
Other components include validating and prioritizing conflict issues and available solutions proved, improving the capacity of local women in the communities, among others.
Mr. Tahir Ibrahim UNDP representative stated that peace is key for South Sudanese at this critical moment of the transitional period as the Country is gearing toward electing its leaders.
Mr. Ibrahim commended CODEP for the peace-building program and called on the international partners to help fund peace-building programs in Western Equatoria State.
“As UNMISS we appreciate the effort by CODEP to implement this peace-building project in the conflict-affected areas of Western Equatoria State, project such as this, is very critical in terms of resolving conflicts in those affected areas and fostering that peaceful inter-communal co-existence and social cohesion”, Mr. Ibrahim added.
On the other hand, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura – Yambio, Rev. Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia said, phase one of the project will cover Tambura and Ezo, phase two will cover Nagioro, Namutina, and other places in the Diocese.
The implementation of the peace-building project will now start in Tambura County which has seen worse inter-communal conflict in the last two years.
In attendance was a representative of the UN, CSOs organized forces, and State Minister of Peacebuilding who warmly welcome the initiative and expressed government support for the success of this project.
