IOM Mission in South Sudan Peace and Stability Quick Impact Fund Update January 2013

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1 IOM Mission in South Sudan Peace and Stability Quick Impact Fund Update January 2013 Project Objective Conflict fueled by competition over scarce resources, high numbers of returnees and internally displaced people, armed non-state actors and recurrent cross-border tensions between nomadic tribes and local communities has resulted in widespread instability and violence in communities along the Sudan-South Sudan border. To foster peace-building and stability in these high-risk areas, the European Union Instrument for Stability and IOM have initiated the Peace and Stability Quick Impact Fund Grants Program (PSQIF) in the border states of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, and Unity, working in partnership with local NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). The overall objective of PSQIF is to provide quick, flexible and visible peace-building and stabilizing interventions that will help to create an environment for peaceful coexistence among communities in the border states, aiming to deter the outbreak of future conflict while strengthening mutual confidence and trust among community members. The PSQIF facilitates the implementation of projects that are designed to alleviate conflicts and reduce tensions in the three border states. To achieve these goals the program focuses on four Thematic Windows to encourage peaceful coexistence among communities. These Thematic Windows are: 1) Cross-Border and Inter/Intra-Community s; 2) Support to Inter/Intra -Community and Cross-Border Trade and Commerce; 3) Cross-Border and Inter/Intra -Community Resource Building and Sharing, and 4) Media and Awareness Raising for Cross-Border Peace. A community member holds a shirt promoting Peace Building Between Reziegat and Dinka Malual in Aweil North County To date, 16 proposals which incorporate one or more of the Thematic Windows have received funding. Many implementing organizations have combined more than one window into proposals as a way to address the larger stabilization needs and issues of the targeted communities. IOM incorporates community mobilization into PSQIF projects as a means to encourage the participation of all community members and instill a sense of ownership following project completion. For example, all water projects and market constructions will have a Water/Market Committee with a membership representing all community members/ beneficiaries tasked with the overall maintenance and sustainability of the water point or market. A main role of these committees is to hold meetings as part of a dialogue process that aims to bring conflicting communities in target areas together to build trust and end hostilities, while at the same time providing greatly needed infrastructure improvements and shared resources. This program is funded by the European Union 1

2 Below is the list of CBOs that are receiving funding for PSQIF projects, the states and thematic windows they are implementing projects under, the activity category and approximate number of beneficiaries as an outcome of the implemented project: No. Implementing Organization Name State Window(s) Activity Total Beneficiaries 1 Free Voice Multi- State 4 Radio and Newspaper 450,000 2 Gogrial Youth Development Agency (GOYDA) WRP 3 Borehole (19) 5, Seeds and Environment Research Management Agency in Africa (SERMA) Universal Intervention and Development Organization (UNIDO) NBG 1, 2, & 3 Unity 1, 3, & 4 Market with Borehole Media 2 youth centers (Sports & Vocational Training) Boreholes (4) 5 Wun Anei Development Association (WADA) NBG 3 Boreholes (8) 12, Aweil Community Rural Development Organization (ACRDO) Child Advocacy & Women Development Center (CAWDC) NBG 1, 3 NBG 1, 2 & 3 /Peace Promoters Boreholes (6) Solar Submersible. Pump (2) Community Market (1) 8 Gomjuerthii Rural Development Program (GRDP) NBG 3 Boreholes (12) 5,000 9 Hope Agency for Relief and Development (HOPE) NBG 1, 2 & 3 Boreholes (3) 12,000 Market (2) 10 Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) WRP 1 & 3 Boreholes (3) 12, Lukluk Community Association for Development (L- CAD) WRP 3 Hafir (1) 3, Mat Media Sudan Society (MAT MEDIA) Multi- State 4 Radio & Short Films 160, People's Action for Peace and Development (PAPAD) Unity 1, 2, & 3, Boreholes (5) 22,500 Market Stall (2 shop units) 14 The Organization for Children Harmony (TOCH) WRP 2 & 3 Boreholes (4) Market (1) 6, Warrap State Youth Union (WSYU) WRP 2 Market (1) Borehole at market 28, Wunngap Agriculture Development Agency (WuADA) WRP 2 Market (1), Slaughterhouse (1) Small Stall 5,000 7,000 68,000 7,000 20,000 In total there are seven organizations promoting community dialogue, seven organizations rehabilitating or constructing markets, twelve organizations engaged in resource building and the sharing of resources such as boreholes and water yards, and three organizations that are providing media awareness to audiences covering the three states. The total number of beneficiaries targeted by the PSQIF projects is approximately 823,700 individuals. To highlight the work being done by the PSQIF in the target area, the following seven ongoing projects showcase some of the accomplishments to date in terms of efforts to resolve conflicts and create environments of peaceful coexistence among communities. As the projects are still ongoing, the final outputs have yet to be fully realized. 2

3 People s Action for Peace and Development (PAPAD) Pariang County in Unity State is home to the Panaruu Dinka community, but it is also a pastoral area to the nomadic tribe of Ambororo (also known as the Falata) who believe that they are entitled to share the land as well. Every year, at the beginning of the dry season in October, the Ambororo move southward to Unity State from Sudan to graze their cattle. Historically, before the war, both communities lived in relatively peaceful coexistence. The Ambororo are not citizens of South Sudan or any country, but due to their migration from Sudan to South Sudan, the perception that they are spies of the north and outsiders causes prejudices, fear and mistrust in the communities that host them. Due to the non-citizenship of the Ambororo community, local and state governments offer no protection to the Ambororo and have even fueled the conflict by furthering the perception that the Ambororo are violent and unwelcome in Pariang County. Hostilities with the host community have recently escalated into violence and cattle raiding, mainly perpetrated by Dinka youth. People s Action for Peace and Development (PAPAD) is working to bring the Ambororo and Panaruu Dinka communities together to share water resources along migration routes by drilling five boreholes that both communities will be able to access. The Water Management Committees that will oversee these water points will also help to alleviate conflict and misunderstanding by sharing information with the host community related to Ambororo migratory movements. Quote from a community member: We lived and shared the resources of this land for generations, and we shall go back to live with them the way we did before A Panaruu Dinka community meeting in Pariang to discuss the sharing of resources with the Ambororo To further build trust, PAPAD will be constructing a community market with a capacity of 80 traders, to be shared by both communities. The market will promote trade and bring the two communities together through common financial goals. To symbolize the collaborative ambitions of the market, a weekly Market Day will be chosen for both communities to come together to trade. In conjunction with the establishment of new water sources and the marketplace, a two-day training workshop for representatives of the two communities will be held, as well as exchange visits with local leaders and government officials between the host and nomadic communities. HIGHLIGHT On 26 December 2012, in response to the PAPAD project, the Pariang County Commissioner announced that the Ambororo populations who migrate to Pariang County are now under government protection, and welcomed church leaders to pray for peace and coexistence between the communities. This is a very positive step by government authorities in promoting the need for coexistence between the local Panaruu Dinka community and the Ambororo, and provides the necessary security for future peace-building efforts. 3

4 Lukluk Community Association for Development (L-CAD) Limited access to water sources in Tonj East County, Warrap State, has long been a source of tension. In May 2012, local communities and nomadic tribes came into conflict over water resources for their livestock, resulting in violent fighting and cattle raiding. The lack of communication between the two communities has led to mistrust and revenge for past grievances. The few water sources available have been subject to ambushes by cattle raiders, putting already vulnerable groups (children, women, the disabled) from aggrieved communities in Wunlit payam (sub-county) at risk. Water Committee and community members observing the process of excavating the hafir in Wunlit, Tonj East In response to these needs, the Lukluk Community Association for Development (L-CAD) is in the process of establishing a hafir (water catchment basin) for livestock that can be used by over 200,000 cattle during the dry season and other periods of water shortage. The hafir is located at a central site agreed upon by the benefiting groups/communities in Wunlit Payam to enable their livestock to freely access safe drinking water. The newly formed Livestock Hafir Community Management Committee is responsible for ensuring the protection, harmonious sharing and sustainability of the water point. Community leaders will be responsible for resolving conflicts arising from the shared use of the hafir peacefully through dialogue. By sharing resources harmoniously and participating in open dialogue, the communities will benefit from the reduction of conflicts, killings and cattle raids that resulted from limited livestock water sources and lack of communication. Free Voice Free Voice is a multi-state initiative to enhance media awareness on border conflict issues. The initiative covers Unity, Warrap, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states, and has a target audience of 450,000 individuals. Journalists receive training through Free Voice to report on issues in three border states Following the country s independence in 2011, the border states of South Sudan have experienced high levels of conflict, resulting in internal displacement and tensions between nomadic migrants and returnees over scarce resources such as grazing rights and access to water. Coverage of such conflicts in the media has been restricted due to the closure and censorship of many media sources. Many citizens in these areas have little to no access to news or information, and as a result they are often susceptible to fear-mongering and misinformation. Free Voice aims to promote non-biased cross-border conflict reporting in Unity, Warrap, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states. Twelve journalists are currently being trained to expand the media coverage of program partner Radio Tamazuj in these key states. Through these journalists, Radio Tamazuj will also provide stories for print in partnership with the Juba Post and Al-Masir newspapers. 500 shortwave radios will be distributed in the targeted areas to ensure that the reporting reaches a wide audience. Circulating accurate, non-biased information on cross-border issues through radio and print media will help these communities emerging from conflict to avoid miscommunication and built trust. 4

5 Child Advocacy & Women Development Center (CAWDC) Located near the border with Sudan, the payams of Malual West, North, Center and East in Aweil North County are home to approximately 40,000 members of the Dinka Malual community. Since 1984, the Dinka Malual have repeatedly clashed with Rizeigat nomads from South Darfur, who migrate across the border to graze their cattle at Aweil North s few water sources. Traditional mechanisms for dealing with conflicts between the communities have been undermined or are too weak to be enforced. A specific area of contention is the Rizeigat s use of the Kiir-kou River, which the Dinka Malual community uses as A representative of the Rizeigat community speaks during a a water source for their cattle, as well as for fishing and peace conference in Aweil North County farming purposes. The Dinka Malual claim that the Rizeigat s cattle have dirtied the river water, damaged fishing equipment and spoiled farming fields. As a means of bringing the two communities together in order to encourage peaceful coexistence, the Child Advocacy & Women Development Center (CAWDC) is constructing two wells with solar submersible pumps as well as a community marketplace, in conjunction with community engagement activities. A football club comprised of members from both the Rizeigat and Dinka Malual communities Peace conferences have been organized to bring 1,000 youths as well as clan chiefs together to promote dialogue between the communities. Sporting events with the Providing and sharing of resources in conjunction with peace-building activities is at the heart of the PSQIFs, bringing communities together to foster peaceful coexistence. participation of all communities have also been organized, as have plays and traditional and modern dance performances. These activities promote socialization and cooperation among the targeted groups. Through the formation of Water Committees comprised of representatives from both the Rizeigat and Dinka Malual, agreements have been reached on sharing water resources between the communities. In addition, a shared community marketplace has been established, and six football clubs representing both communities have been formed, bringing people together in the spirit of economic cooperation, friendly competition and peace. 5

6 Seeds and Environment Research Management Agency in Africa (SERMA) The Ngok Dinka community of Gok-Machar, Aweil East County and the nomadic Missiriya tribe of Sudan have been fighting since 1984, with reports of slave and cattle raids, property destruction, and deadly attacks fueling an atmosphere of mistrust, prejudice and violence between the two groups. The conflict has been further enflamed over access to water resources, primarily the Kiir-kou River, which nomadic groups use as a water source for their cattle, and the Dinka use mainly for fishing and growing crops. Due to the lack of alternative water sources, Missiryia cattle have caused damage to Dinka fishing nets and have also destroyed the community s vegetable gardens on the river bank. To address these outstanding issues and break the cycle of conflict, the Seeds and Environment Research Management Local community members work on excavating a site for the peace market in Gok-Machar Agency in Africa (SERMA) is working with a delegation of 200 representatives from both communities to provide a platform for peaceful dialogue and to help identify the root causes of their conflict. A community market in Gok-Machar has been planned to bring together approximately 300 traders from both communities. A joint Market Committee will be established to select traders for the market stalls, and a borehole will be drilled to provide water for the marketplace and the surrounding community. Both Missiriya and Ngok Dinka community members have expressed their satisfaction with the project, and a renewed trust has been established between the communities as they interact through the development of the market and the Market Committee. Both communities are encouraged to work for peaceful coexistence so that all people can enjoy freedom of movement and a common goal in boosting their respective economies through trade. Universal Intervention and Development Organization (UNIDO) The Universal Intervention and Development Organization (UNIDO) works to bring communities together to support dialogue and peace-building. In 2010, UNIDO held a series of peace conferences in Leer County, Unity State with representatives from the counties of Leer, Mayendit, Koch and Rumbek. At the conferences, participants highlighted some of the major issues impacting their communities, including the widespread proliferation of small arms, lack of police and security presence resulting in lawlessness, the need for youth recreational programs and employment, and the lack of opportunities for women. As a result of what was learned through the peace UNIDO conducts a training for a Peace Committee in Leer conferences, UNIDO provided vocational training to youth previously involved in inter-tribal conflict, as a way of reintegrating them into their communities. The project also trained 40 teachers from 40 schools in the four counties in conflict resolution skills to resolve student and community disputes. With the support of the PSQIF, UNIDO was able to re-establish these dialogue and peace-building efforts, which had been discontinued due to lack of funds. continued 6

7 With PSQIF support, UNIDO will drill four boreholes at four sites where communities border one another to help alleviate conflicts over scarce water sources. During project implementation, local journalists will be trained on ways to address conflicts through constructive media reporting, and how to use media as a tool for conflict resolution. Through these activities, UNIDO is able to build on the accomplishments from 2010, while addressing some of the major causes of conflict that were identified in the project implementation area. Gomjuerthii Rural Development Program (GRDP) Aweil North County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal was heavily affected by war, leaving the county s economy and basic social services debilitated. The project area is inhabited by both a local Dinka population as well as Bagara nomads from southern Sudan, and both groups use local rivers and ponds for their households and livestock. The local Dinka tend to perceive the Bagara as foreigners, and are averse to sharing their natural resources, while the Bagara argue that they have been migrating with their cattle to this area for generations. Where water points exist, overcrowding leads to violent conflicts. Bagara communities have become reluctant to venture near Dinka water points as a result, with particular risk for the women and children who are tasked with water collection. Local youth visit the completed borehole at Lueeth Deeng village in Northern Bahr el Ghazal An analysis by the Gomjuerthii Rural Development Program (GRDP) led to the identification of villages that are most prone to violence due to the lack of available water points. GRDP is currently drilling 12 boreholes at different locations as a means to alleviate the strain and congestion that cause boreholes to break down, and to mitigate the subsequent fighting that occurs over resources. In collaboration with government authorities at the county level as well as local community leaders, representatives are participating in the peace-building process to reduce tensions and encourage the sharing of common resources.under GRDP supervision, Peace Committees, Water Management Committees and designated hygiene promoters are being established with representatives from the Bagara and Dinka communities. Water Committees play an important role in bringing both communities together, as they are tasked with the overall maintenance of the boreholes as well as dealing with conflicts related to water points. Peace Committees will provide a platform for dialogue as well as public peacebuilding awareness. Having provided the communities with access to clean water, hygiene promoters will train communities on proper hygiene and sanitation, which will decrease the incidence of waterborne disease outbreaks. Community members work to construct the borehole at Lueeth Deeng village These interventions are bringing local community members together with government authorities to reduce tensions while improving access to basic services. 7

8 Conclusion Through the EU-funded PSQIF grants, communities in key South Sudan border states are seeing concrete examples of the benefits of peaceful coexistence. By developing the capacities of local civil society and Community-Based Organizations, these projects are re-establishing links of trade and migration, and providing resources and opportunities for social stability. These links set in place a framework for political solutions to take hold and have a positive effect at the community level. In providing stabilization opportunities for communities that have experienced conflict, these projects support not only a means for sharing resources but also encouraging dialogue through the establishment of workshops, peace promoters, non-biased media coverage, community meetings and committees to identify and address root causes of conflicts. All PSQIF projects actively seek close coordination with local government authorities, which helps to foster confidence between the government and the communities they serve. The key factor to stabilizing communities is local participation, which in turn enhances ownership and reinforces positive commitment to peace and coexistence that goes beyond the duration of the intervention. With the continued support of the European Union Instrument for Stability as well as other donors, the PSQIF will be able to extend these stabilizing initiatives to other vulnerable communities along the border. As a multi-donor basket fund, the PSQIF is equipped to quickly and efficiently mobilize additional donor funding. Community members looking into the Luklul Community Association for Development s hafir in Wunlit, Tonj East, Warrap State This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the International Organization for Migration and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. IOM South Sudan New Industrial Area, Northern Bari, Juba ssudanpsu@iom.int 8