The Inter-Communal Governance Structures (ICGS) have been central to decision-making within the area-based programs for Jonglei and GPAA. This governance framework has provided a platform for communities to come together and address shared challenges. However, the unpredictable and often harsh climate conditions in South Sudan significantly disrupt the feasibility of assembling participants from different communities across Jonglei and GPAA for these community-led discussions.
With the onset of the rainy season, and in order to maintain momentum in peacebuilding efforts, the ICGS partners convened a subset of delegates in Juba for a focused two-day meeting from 17-18 September. This meeting was planned in anticipation of the upcoming larger ICGS session, scheduled to take place in Pibor. The Juba meeting aimed to discuss ongoing progress and set key priorities both for the lead-up to the next ICGS and for the meeting itself.
Working across multiple languages – three to four, including English – presents a constant challenge in facilitating these discussions. Translation and the need for clarity often slow down the flow of conversations, making it a time-consuming process. In preparation for the meeting, the delegates were deeply engaged to review the progress made over the past three years since the Pieri Agreement. This allowed them to identify areas where actions had either contributed to or undermined trust between the different communities.
Each stakeholder group – including the Dinka, Murle, Nuer, partners, and the government – was asked in advance to articulate questions for their neighboring communities. This exercise helped to surface valuable feedback, not only highlighting the ongoing challenges but also recognising areas where progress had been made. The insights gained provided a rich foundation for more effective engagement during the Juba meeting.
The meeting itself was structured in a way that balanced language group breakout sessions with mixed-group discussions. In these sessions, participants discussed their priorities and worked together to find practical solutions to advance key agenda points. Out of the nine thematic areas highlighted on the first day, the group democratically prioritized three pressing issues for deeper discussion on the second day. These were: the identification and return of abductees, road openings, and the development of a practical, enhanced information-sharing system between communities.
The discussions led to a preliminary set of actions to be pursued in the lead-up to the Pibor ICGS meeting. Additionally, the delegates outlined broader points they intend to address during the upcoming ICGS session in Pibor. However, the context remains fraught with challenges. The extensive flooding in the region continues to place immense pressure on these communities as they navigate their path forward.
Despite these difficulties, the ICGS consultations provide a crucial framework for building progressively stronger relationships among key leaders in these communities. This framework fosters a sense of ownership and confidence in the participants’ ability to take tangible steps toward establishing more sustainable futures for their communities.
It is important to recognise that these communities are not only grappling with inter-communal conflicts but are also battling against the environmental challenges that threaten their survival and livelihoods. The combination of climatic and social pressures makes the work of the ICGS both critical and urgent.
As these communities continue to face the twin challenges of conflict and climate, the work of the ICGS offers hope for a more peaceful and resilient future, built on the foundations of trust and shared responsibility.