“I am thankful to WPDI for empowering us with knowledge and skills in areas of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We are very satisfied with the training program and I believe that lawmakers are going to be effective in their work and ensuring the state attains the required peace. The conflict analysis tools, especially the conflict tree tool, is what we are going to use to analyze the numerous conflict issues and pass bills that will safeguard security and peace in the state” – Honorable Lorna, Member of parliament, Central Equatoria State.
August 23, 2024 – South Sudan is a country that continues to be beset by internal security issues and regional instability with its neighbor country Sudan in turmoil. Committing to a culture of peace is therefore vital for the world’s youngest country. To this effect, WPDI places significant resources into training members of local legislative assemblies in conflict resolution in order to avert outbreaks of violence within local communities who are often at loggerheads due to local socio-economic challenges. This training is crucial, and we recently carried out one such workshop for members of the Central Equatoria State (CES) Reconstituted Transitional Legislative Assembly (RTLA).
The RTLA is a cornerstone of the country’s governance and peace process, with its pivotal roles including enacting legislation, facilitating the election process, participating in the drafting of the permanent constitution, implementing the national peace agreement, overseeing the performance of National Government institutions, and ratifying international treaties. Because it has such responsibilities, the transitional assembly is probably one of the most significant entry points within South Sudan for restoring effective governance, delivering long-term reform, and guiding the nation towards lasting peace
In collaboration with the Ministry of Peace Building, the Central Equatoria State Independent Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission, and the CES Reconstituted Transitional Legislative Assembly, WPDI’s four-day workshop aimed at enhancing the understanding of conflict resolution, peace, and human rights among State Members of Parliament. 65 participants, from the various institutions mentioned above, attended the training.
The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including the concept of conflict, conflict analysis, the relationship between conflict and power, early conflict warning signs, and the various types, causes, phases, and approaches to conflict. Detailed discussions also addressed such key notions as servant leadership, the nuances of violence and peace (both negative and positive), negotiation, mediation, human rights, and the roles of parliament members in promoting peace and development in the state, as well as good governance practices.
The Right Honorable Speaker Peter Wani Elia Kulang of the CES Transitional Legislative Assembly opened the workshop, urging all members to exchange in a spirit of cooperation and to share the knowledge and skills gained during the training to resolve issues and promote peace in the state. He emphasized the importance of avoiding violence and making the CES Reconstituted Legislative Assembly a model for other state assemblies in South Sudan in executing their legislative, oversight, and representative roles to improve the well-being of the state’s people.
Rev. James Wani, the Director of Peace in the Ministry of Peace Building for Central Equatoria State, encouraged participants to absorb and later replicate the knowledge and skills necessary for tackling conflicts and bringing peace to the state. “I am pleased to note that WPDI has contributed a lot to building a culture of peace, as well as intercultural dialogue, addressing social cohesion issues, gender equality into core governance functions, service delivery, and community security, and efforts in building durable peace. This effort has been recognized and appreciated by the Central Equatoria State Government, particularly the State Ministry of Peacebuilding. As part of a critical institution for the consolidation of Peace in CES and the Republic of South Sudan, we have not been able to effectively deliver on our core mandate but due to your support and the partnership, we have done a lot and for that, allow me to first convey special thanks and appreciation to you (WPDI) for your support,” he added.
Facilitators of the workshop, including Bush Buse (WPDI CES Program Coordinator), William Ongoro (WPDI Conflict Resolution Expert), James Wani, Peter Lasu from the State Ministry of Peace Building, and WPDI Youth Peacemakers (Baibai Joseph Dusuman, Ropani Grace, Lado Michael, and Marline Jore), guided the participants through the intricacies of conflict understanding and resolution, the types and impacts of violence, the nature of peace, human rights issues, leadership styles, and the principles of good governance.
The participants overwhelmingly rated the training as excellent, acknowledging that they had acquired new skills and tools to aid in peacebuilding and governance. They requested WPDI to conduct similar training for the remaining fifty members of the Assembly who had been unable to attend, ensuring that all legislative members are equally equipped to contribute to peace and stability in Central Equatoria State.
The success of the workshop, as evidenced by the very positive feedback we received from participants, highlights the critical need for ongoing training in conflict resolution. Equipping legislative members with these essential skills not only enhances their ability to address and resolve conflicts but also sets a precedent for other states in South Sudan. Continued efforts in this direction will be vital for fostering the dissemination of a culture of peace and good governance across the nation.
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