Peace and stability in South Sudan: Challenges and recommendations

When civil war broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, few people believed that the war would continue until today. The signing of the peace agreement in August 2015 did not halt the war and, when renewed violence flared up in Juba in July 2016, conflict quickly spread to previously peaceful parts of the country. Conflict continues to impact the economy, livelihoods, safety and security of communities. Between July 2017 and February 2019, Saferworld – together with our partners – organised eight state-level roundtable discussions to identify peace and safety concerns and provide recommendations for strengthening community safety. The events brought together state-level and local authorities, heads of organised forces (military, police and national security), UN agencies, national and international NGOs, community-based organisations, community members, religious leaders, and youth and women leaders. This briefing presents the main findings of those discussions and outlines recommendations for national, state and local government and civil society for improving peace and stability in South Sudan.