The African Union (AU) Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a prominent trade bloc in eastern Africa, joined forces on Thursday to initiate a comprehensive post-conflict needs assessment for South Sudan. This crucial assessment aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most pressing requirements for post-conflict recovery and establish a set of priority actions. By identifying the needs, actions, and outcomes necessary to address the consequences of the prolonged conflict in South Sudan, this initiative aims to pave the way for national reconciliation, peace, and healing.
During the program’s official launch in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, James Wani Igga, the country’s vice president in charge of the economic cluster, emphasised the challenging nature of addressing the post-conflict needs in South Sudan, particularly considering the prolonged period of instability. He stressed the importance of drawing lessons from comparable scenarios in other parts of Africa, as it would contribute to developing concrete strategies for sustainable recovery.
Ismail Wais, the IGAD special envoy to South Sudan, highlighted the purpose of the post-conflict needs assessment, which is to comprehensively map the requirements of the nation and inform coherent strategies for post-conflict recovery. This assessment will play a pivotal role in transitioning South Sudan towards lasting peace and stability.
Prospa Addo, a representative of the AU, underscored the significance of the post-conflict needs assessment as a stepping stone towards national reconciliation, peacebuilding, and healing. These efforts are essential not only for preventing a relapse into violence but also for addressing the root causes of the conflict in order to foster sustainable peace.
The conflict in South Sudan erupted in December 2013, triggered by a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. Since then, the country has been plagued by violence, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of over 2 million people, both internally and externally.
The post-conflict needs assessment is a critical step forward in South Sudan’s journey towards stability and prosperity. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of the country’s needs, the assessment will enable policymakers and stakeholders to formulate effective recovery strategies that address the root causes of the conflict and promote sustainable development.
The assessment process will focus on key areas such as infrastructure rehabilitation, healthcare services, education, economic revitalization, and social integration. By identifying the specific needs within these sectors, the assessment will guide the allocation of resources and facilitate the implementation of targeted initiatives.
Furthermore, the assessment will involve extensive consultations with stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, local communities, and international partners. This inclusive approach seeks to ensure that the needs and perspectives of all segments of society are taken into account, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity in the recovery process.
In addition to addressing immediate needs, the assessment will also pay close attention to the underlying causes of the conflict. By analyzing the root causes, such as political grievances, ethnic tensions, and socioeconomic disparities, the assessment will provide insights into the structural changes required to prevent future conflicts and promote sustainable peace.
The AU and IGAD, together with their respective member states and international partners, remain committed to supporting South Sudan’s recovery and peacebuilding efforts. Through their collaboration, they aim to facilitate the implementation of the priority actions identified in the post-conflict needs assessment, working hand in hand with the government and the people of South Sudan.
As the post-conflict needs assessment commences, there is renewed hope for a brighter future in South Sudan. By addressing the urgent needs, redressing the consequences of the conflict, and promoting national reconciliation, the assessment is a crucial step towards healing.
