By Yang Ater Yang
A two-day Local Peace Agreement workshop held in Rumbek has recommended the need to establish vocational training centres within local communities to reduce conflicts.
The goal, they said is to provide skills development and empowerment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Another key recommendation is the critical need for comprehensive disarmament of firearms across South Sudan.
They believe that removing weapons from circulation is a step to realizing permanent peace in the state.
The participants also highlighted the importance of effective civic education as an essential component for promoting lasting peace and stability.
Meen Chol Yak, a participant, stated that the workshop was vital in sharing experiences and gathering recommendations that can be used as a basis for writing project proposals to address the real issues in the community.
He noted that Oxfam GB has been working with the local community in Lakes State using a grassroots-driven approach, where they engage with community leaders and other local structures.
Agum Joseph Kuch, the women’s chairperson and a member of the conflict resolution committee in Lakes State, discussed the progress and challenges in achieving peace in the region.
She emphasized the need for a 100% peace agreement, where all communities are brought together for inclusive dialogue.
Kido Joseph, the director general of conflict resolution at the national level and the workshop facilitator, acknowledged the valuable input received from the participants in Rumbek.
He stated that the recommendations gathered will be forwarded to the relevant authorities to inform future peace processes across South Sudan.
For his part, Zechariah Kuoi Majak there is need for continued support from the national government and partners.
He called upon the Ministry of Peacebuilding and other stakeholders to provide the necessary funding and resources to ensure the successful implementation of these local peace agreements.
Daniel Laat Kon, the CEPO coordinator in Lakes State, expressed the importance of the workshop in collecting and documenting all the local peace agreements in the state.
He mentioned that the participants recommended the introduction of vocational training programs to empower the youth and address the root causes of conflicts.
The workshop also emphasized the need for strengthening law enforcement, community empowerment, and cross-border peace dialogues with neighbouring states.
The two-day workshop was organized by Community Empowerment Organization for Progress (CEPO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Peacebuilding.
It brought together civil society members, women, youth, church leaders, members of the local peace committee, and local government representatives.
The workshop in Rumbek has provided a platform for key stakeholders to share their experiences, identify challenges, and propose recommendations to enhance peacebuilding efforts in Lakes State and across South Sudan.