Traditional Justice Workshop Held in Western Equatoria

(YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE) – Sitting down to talk, forgive and reconcile is one of the most effective ways to build lasting peace, according to Archbishop Samuel Enosa Peni, Chairperson of the Inter Church Committee in Western Equatoria.

The Archbishop was among 45 faith leaders and chiefs from Ezo, Tambura and Nagero counties who gathered for a workshop on implementing the traditional justice provisions contained in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Since 2021, Western Equatoria has faced a wave of violence between armed groups, leaving hundreds dead and forcing thousands of families to flee their homes. Many survivors say there has been no justice for the harm caused.

One of them is Aida Kazima, a mother of seven and women’s rights advocate.

“Justice is essential for peace,” she said. “It is also crucial that women are able to access and actively participate in these processes, because too often we are excluded.”

For community leader Clement Ali Leben from Nagero, the workshop was an opportunity to strengthen understanding of reconciliation practices.

“I will inform leaders in my area about the importance of forgiveness and dialogue. Peace must be built from the ground up, where everyone can speak and work towards solutions together,” he said.

Traditional justice mechanisms in South Sudan are often led by chiefs and respected elders, focusing on mediation, truth-telling, compensation, and reconciliation. Such processes can be less costly and more accessible than formal court systems.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has stepped up protection patrols in Western Equatoria, particularly in Tambura, where it established a temporary base in response to renewed violence.

The mission is also working to bring together diverse communities to build trust and encourage grassroots engagement in the peace process.

“Our role is to support all efforts to promote human rights, justice, accountability, and sustainable peace,” said UNMISS representative Opubo Goodhead. “This workshop gave community leaders a platform to discuss locally driven solutions.”

The event was organised by UNMISS in partnership with the Western Equatoria Inter-Church Committee, the United Nations Development Programme, the South Sudan Council of Churches and the National Ministry of Peacebuilding.

Participants agreed to increase outreach in rural areas, promote inclusion of women and marginalised groups and strengthen the link between traditional justice and formal legal systems.