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COMMUNITY CONSULTATION REPORT

Upper Nile State SOUTH SUDAN

United Nations Development Programme

Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

The Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control under the Ministry of Interior is the Gov-ernment agency of South Sudan mandated to address the threats posed by the proliferation of small arms and community insecurity to peace and development. The South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission is mandated to promote peaceful co-existence amongst the people of South Sudan and advises the Government on matters related to peace. The United Nations Development Programme in South Sudan, through the Community Security and Arms Control Project, supports the Bureau strengthen its capacity in the area of community security and arms control at the national, state and county levels. The consultation process was led by the Government of South Sudan, with support from the Govern-ment of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cover photo: A senior chief from Upper Nile. © UNDP/Sun-ra Lambert Baj

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION REPORT

Upper Nile State

South Sudan

Published by

South Sudan Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission


MAY 2012 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

CONTENTS

Acronyms ........................................................................................................................... i

Foreword ........................................................................................................................... .ii

Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... iv

1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 1

2. Background on Upper Nile State ................................................................. 2

3. Methodology

3.1. PRA training of facilitators ............................................................. 4

3.2. County consultation process .......................................................... 4

3.3. The Validation Meeting .................................................................... 6

4. Summary of Findings

Nature of insecurity .................................................................................... 6

Insecurity dynamics .................................................................................... 7

Conflict affecting women .......................................................................... 9

Causes of insecurity .................................................................................... 9

5. County-Specific Findings

5.1. Akoka County .................................................................................... 11

5.2. Bailet County ...................................................................................... 14

5.3. Fashoda County ................................................................................. 18

5.4. Longochuk County ............................................................................ 21

5.5. Maban County ................................................................................... 24

5.6. Maiwut County .................................................................................. 27

5.7. Makal County .................................................................................... 29

5.8. Manyo County ................................................................................... 32

5.9. Melut County ..................................................................................... 35

5.10. Nasser County .................................................................................. 38

5.11. Panyikang County ............................................................................ 41

5.12. Renk County ..................................................................................... 44

5.13. Ulang County .................................................................................... 47

6. Observations and Conclusions .................................................................... 51

7. Next Steps ........................................................................................................ 53

Maps

Map of Upper Nile State ...................................................................................................... 3

Seasonal grazing areas ........................................................................................................ 8

Annex 1. Summary of Proposed Conflict-Sensitive Projects in Upper Nile ....................... 54

ACRONYMS

BCSSAC Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

CAP Community Action Plan

CPA Comprehensive Peace Agreement

CRMA Crisis Risk and Mapping Analysis

CSAC Community Security and Arms Control

DDR Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

FAO Food Agricultural Organization

GoSS Government of South Sudan

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

IDP Internally Displaced Person

NGO Non- Governmental Organization

JIU Joint Integrated Units

PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal

RCO Resident Coordinator’s Office

RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal

SAF Sudan Armed Forces

SPLA/M Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement

ToT Training of Trainers

UN United Nations

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNMISS United Nations Mission in South Sudan

UNS Upper Nile State

WFP World Food Programme

i

FOREWORD

At the core of peacebuilding and development in South Sudan

is the achievement and sustainability of security among com-

munities who stand to benefit most from peace dividends.

However, small arms and light weapons (SALW) continue to

proliferate amongst civilians, posing a threat to community

safety and largely, to the political stability and economic devel-

opment of the country.

The Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

(BCSSAC) is addressing this threat by mobilising and building

bridges between communities and the government towards

peaceful disarmament. The Bureau also leads the process of

formulating small arms control policies and regulations as well

as develops rule of law and conflict-sensitive development

measures to address the root causes of community insecurity. The Bureau works in partnership with

the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Community Security and Arms Control

(CSAC) Project and other regional and international bodies to foster a collective action that will ad-

dress the larger issues around the illicit proliferation of small arms.

The Bureau has been leading the process towards conducting community consultations, with techni-

cal and financial assistance from UNDP. This approach is part of our long-term agenda of creating

an enabling environment within communities, by extending state authority to the grassroots. The

consultations allow the Bureau to effectively gather communities’ knowledge and opinions of com-

munity security in 55 counties thus far, thereby facilitating for an evidence-backed process for pro-

gramming and policy formulation. Going down to the county level provides communities most af-

fected by insecurity the opportunity to voice their concerns. In turn, it provides authorities inroads

to the perception and attitudes of their communities. County authorities and community members

are empowered to identify the root causes of conflict and create a county action plan that will ad-

dress these issues.

The Bureau subscribes to this dynamic, bottom-up approach which is a proven methodology that

brings the Government to the people and has the ability to triangulate the governance, security and

socio-economic aspects of conflict in South Sudan. We are therefore pleased to disseminate the out-

comes of community consultations to other stakeholders, decision-makers and policy-makers.

The Bureau recognizes the valuable partnership it has with UNDP through the CSAC Project, the

South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC), other UN agencies and programmes,

non-governmental organizations (NGOs), state and county governments, and most of all the com-

munity members who were actively involved in the consultations.

Major General Daniel Deng Lual

Chairperson

Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control

Ministry of Internal Affairs

South Sudan

ii

FOREWORD

Following South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, commu-

nities most affected by conflict have made security their chief

priority. The Government and communities recognized that

security is a pre-requisite for service delivery, economic activ-

ity and growth. In the process of state-building, it is equally

important that the Government interface with communities to

understand their needs and concerns.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in

South Sudan supports the country’s statebuilding process by

focusing, among others, on peacebuilding and community

security efforts. We work with the Government and communi-

ties to ensure that conflict sensitivity and responsiveness are mainstreamed into state and county

planning.

The Community Security and Arms Control (CSAC) Project is the cornerstone of UNDP’s peace-

building efforts. Since 2009, CSAC has supported the Bureau for Community Security and Small

Arms Control (BCSSAC) and the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) to ad-

dress the root causes of armed violence and implement conflict-sensitive development projects and

peacebuilding measures at the county level. CSAC supports the extension of state authority by sup-

porting county consultations to understand the needs of the community and give the local govern-

ment the opportunity to deliver services that meet these needs, thus undermining the demand or ci-

vilian use of small arms.

UNDP has supported the Government address the security priorities that communities identified

during the consultations, through conflict-sensitive projects being implemented in six states in South

Sudan. While current CSAC projects on the ground are limited to address the communities’ top-most

security needs, these projects complement other government initiatives whose programmes have

been supporting conflict prevention at the state and county levels.

UNDP fully supports the Government’s key priorities as it moves forward to establishing commu-

nity security and development. We value our partnerships with our national counterparts and will

continue to support their initiatives towards providing greater stability for communities most af-

fected by conflict.

George Conway

Country Director, a.i.


South Sudan

iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January 2005, the Government of

South Sudan has focused on peacebuilding, conflict prevention and recovery. The United Nations Develop-

ment Programme (UNDP) supports the Government and national partners secure peace and stability

through targeted crisis prevention and recovery projects. UNDP’s Community Security and Arms Control

(CSAC) Project works with the state agencies, namely the Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms

Control (BCSSAC) and the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) to conduct exten-

sive consultations in counties across the states.

The consultations support conflict-sensitive initiatives identified at the county level. The strategy is tailored

to enhance the visibility and legitimacy of government especially at lower levels. By fostering extensive dia-

logue and engagement between the communities and the state government, both parties can find solutions

to existing insecurity.

Community consultations in Upper Nile State were conducted to identify key insecurity issues and priori-

ties, as well as assess the challenges of county governments in addressing insecurity. Most importantly, the

exercise aimed to identify a wider peacebuilding and stabilisation framework for Upper Nile.

The Upper Nile region bore the burden of violence during the civil war primarily due to militia groups liv-

ing and operating in the area. It has become one of the most marginalised states in South Sudan; humanitar-

ian aid started to increase only in 2006. Despite a number of private oil companies in the state, Upper Nile’s

development indicators remain negligibly low for education, health, sanitation and access to clean drinking

water. Further, communities in the southwestern border suffered from violence following elections and the

political defeat of the renegade army commander George Athor, later captured and killed by the Sudan Peo-

ple’s Liberation Army (SPLA). Upper Nile State also faces external threats from the bordering Gambella

region in Ethiopia which is dominated by armed groups and plagued with inter-communal disputes and

competition for scarce natural resources.

The consultation process employed Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods to collect data, i.e. com-

munity mapping, seasonal calendars, trend lines and semi-structured interviews in each of the 13 counties.

Consultations were held in May 2010 to get an in-depth understanding of community members’ perceptions

on the different security issues affecting their respective counties. To facilitate a more open discussion, re-

spondents were at times consulted in different groups, namely women, youth, traditional leaders/elders,

security organs/law enforcement teams and county administrators.

In summary, participants identified economic and sociocultural influences, land and/or boundaries, and

arms trading as the key causes of conflict across Upper Nile. Majority of the participants expressed that cat-

tle raiding stems from both the economic need and the desire for prestige. Closely related to this is conflict

from unclear land demarcation between counties or between a county and its neighboring states. As pastor-

alists herd their cattle, crossing borders can become violent as herders and communities fight over their his-

torical territories, or over scarce water and pastureland. Clashes also occur between communities that use

land for agriculture and those that use land for cattle grazing.

Community participants perceived that the presence of gangs possessing small arms are crucial to their

safety. Communities particularly cited the marginalized and disenfranchised youth “who have no tribal

affiliations and operate across tribes” as a threat to their security.

Detailed findings were documented per county, including a conflict analysis matrix, prioritisation of secu-

rity issues and a Community Action Plan. These are presented in detail in Section 5. Findings from the con-

sultations were used to feed into state government projects, with support from CSAC, which will address

the top-most insecurity priorities of communities. A map of Upper Nile on Section 7 illustrates the various

locations of these projects. The findings will also serve as an important base information for Government

programming and policy making, as well as for other organizations working towards building community

security in South Sudan.

iv

1. INTRODUCTION

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005 marked a critical juncture for

Sudan, and especially for South Sudan, the area most affected by Africa’s longest running civil war.

The prolonged conflict has left South Sudan with development conditions among the lowest to be

found anywhere in the world, as measured by almost any indicator. Some of the challenges include

enormous and urgent social and economic recovery as well as the need to mitigate the risks of both

man-made and natural crises further impacting the development prospects of the region.

UNDP, through its Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit (CPRU), carries out programmes that sup-

port national partners to secure peace and stability. More specifically, UNDP implements targeted

crisis prevention and recovery projects. Localized conflicts, internally displaced people and the mass

return of refugees illustrate that continued efforts to promote peace and stability in South Sudan are

essential.

The Community Security and Arms Control (CSAC) Project supports the Government to strengthen

its capacity in the area of community security and arms control at the national, state, and county

levels. Government leadership or engagement in all activities is essential in all CSAC projects.

CSAC works through the Government agencies, the CSSAC Bureau and the SSPRC, formerly the

Ministry of Peace and CPA Implementation. Since 2009, CSAC has been providing capacity building

support to both agencies, as well as to state and county governments to conduct extensive consulta-

tions in counties across six states in South Sudan, including Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Unity,

Upper Nile and Warrap. The consultations support conflict prevention initiatives identified at the

county level. Through a developed strategy of engagement between state-civil actors, a process is

initiated where communities have an opportunity to voice their concerns and set priorities that feed

into decisionmaking and state planning. The ‘force multipliers’ are conflict-sensitive projects which

are implemented based on the Community Action Plans and priorities set by community members

during the consultations.

Consultations done in Upper Nile in May 2010 aimed to determine the causes of conflict and de-

velop action plans that would address these issues, as prioritised by members themselves. Specifi-

cally, the consultations aimed to:

Identify key insecurity concerns affecting community members with a focus on key pri-

orities in addressing and mitigating insecurity;

Provide information on the trends and levels of community insecurity and conflict in a

regional state;

Identify components of a wider peacebuilding and stabilisation framework for the re-

gional state; and

Identify priority areas based on consultation with local communities, which can then

feed into the eventual state and county planning process.

1

2. BACKGROUND ON UPPER NILE STATE

Upper Nile State is located in South Sudan’s north-eastern region. It has a total area of 77,283 sq km

and an estimated population of 964,353.1 The state is composed of 13 counties which include Akoka,

Bailet, Fashoda, Longochuk, Maban, Maiwut, Makal, Manyo, Melut, Luakpiny/Nasser, Panyikang,

Renk and Ulang. The state’s dominant tribe is Shilluk but also has residents from the Nuer and

Dinka tribes, the Bari-speaking groups as well as Arabs.

The Upper Nile region is among the areas that bore a disproportionate burden of violence and un-

rest during Sudan’s civil war due to the preponderance of militia groups living and operating in the

region. Upper Nile State has since become one of the most marginalised and devastated regions in

South Sudan because of the presence and activities of militias, harsh environmental conditions and

the state’s proximity to the cultural and military population of the North. Perhaps due to these

seemingly insurmountable difficulties, the region only began to experience a significant increase in

the presence of humanitarian agencies in 2006.

Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Upper Nile. People are nomadic agro-pastoralists

who engage in both agriculture and the rearing of livestock, primarily cattle. Local farmers are par-

ticularly susceptible to the vagaries of the area’s unpredictable weather patterns, a factor which

greatly affects their productivity from year to year. Even when rains come, its patterns are unreliable

and sparse, making it difficult for farmers to plan effective crop rotations. Combined with other en-

vironmental deterrents such as the outbreak of pests, disease and flooding, farming in Upper Nile

has become a complex and difficult endeavour with little promise of a successful crop yield or food

security. Floods have become particularly pronounced in recent years. Farmers have refused to plant

in some areas, especially in the lowlands, for fear of loss of agricultural capital.

Despite the number of private industry-based oil drilling sites in Upper Nile, the region remains

extremely poor with negligible service levels in basic development indicators such as education,

health, sanitation, and access to clean drinking water. The meager and contractually obligated com-

munity development initiatives carried out by Petrol Dar, one of the area’s most prominent oil com-

panies, have done little to affect the quality of life of local communities. Instead, these initiatives

generally benefit the local militias which have reportedly terrorized the regional communities and

perpetuate patterns of forced displacement.2

There has been some violence in the communities along Upper Nile’s southwestern border follow-

ing elections and the political defeat of the renegade army commander George Athor. Despite his

electoral loss in 2009, he continued to challenge the ruling party and the South Sudan army by de-

manding that the then-elected state Governor and now the President of South Sudan, and the man

who bested him in the election, Salva Kiir Mayardit, step down while issuing both threats to attack

and somewhat fatuously offering to negotiate further. Athor was later captured and killed by the

SPLA in December 2011.

In addition to internal disputes, Upper Nile faces external threats. After years of war and instability,

many areas of the state’s border with the Gambella region in Ethiopia are prone to security issues

and are dominated by armed groups, unresolved inter-communal disputes, multiple waves of dis-

placement, and competition for land, water, services and citizenship.

2

1 5th Sudan Population and Housing Census 2008. In Statistical Yearbook for Southern Sudan 2010. Southern Sudan Cen-tre for Census, Statistics and Evaluation, p. 16.

2 “Oil and Violence in Sudan Drilling, Poverty and Death in Upper Nile State.” European Coalition on Oil in Sudan (ECOS). 2006. http://www.ecosonline.org/reports/2006/OilandViolenceinSudanDrillingPovertyandDeathinUpperNileState.pdf

http://www.ecosonline.org/reports/2006/OilandViolenceinSudanDrillingPovertyandDeathinUpperNileState.pdf

3

During the dry season, local wa-

ter sources dry up and the area’s

various ethnic groups, including

the Nuer-Lao, Nuer-Jikany and

the Muerle, drive their cattle to-

ward the Sobat and Pibor rivers

in Akobo County. The seasonal

concentration of cattle, combined

with the multitude of tribes and

armed groups in a small area

often results in increased tension

and inter-ethnic fighting, con-

tinuing well into the rainy sea-

son, until the Muerle moves

south toward their rainy season

pastures.

There are also issues in the re-

gion’s constantly shifting cattle

raiding practices.3 As stated by

an officer in charge of Ulang

County, “Traditional cattle raid-

ing have always taken place, but

we have traditional ways of deal-

ing with that. What we are see-

ing now are youth gangs with no

tribal affiliation and are operat-

ing across tribal affiliations – we

refer to them as the ‘Niggas.’”

According to the majority of the

region’s traditional mores,

women must carry out solely

reproductive and domestic roles

in the community rather than

political ones. This perception is shared by the majority of the population – including the women

themselves - and undermines efforts to increase their representation and participation in politics.

The conservative attitudes of both men and women, coupled with a general lack of female educa-

tion, information about female rights, limited advocacy initiatives for female empowerment and the

general dearth of self-confidence and self-esteem hinder women’s capacity to participate in local

politics. Thus far, this has resulted in the marginalisation, if not the complete exclusion of women

from decisionmaking processes.

Participants in the consultations often referred to the political initiatives which influence violence

and insecurity in their communities as an area of primary concern. This state of affairs is mostly the

result of the ingrained concentration of power along ethno-military lines using political structures as

a vehicle for domination. This tendency has been employed to support groups such as the so-called

‘Niggas’ mentioned earlier at the expense of all other state residents. Such an ill-conceived policy

further divides communities along an ideological fault line based on political ideologies. This divi-

sive pattern has been modelled on the power dynamics of political actors in Juba and has been

propagated by those in positions of power at all levels of government.

3 Ulang Administrative Officer

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1. PRA training of facilitators

A four-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) program

methodology was conducted for UNDP staff, Government staff members and volunteers participat-

ing in the consultations from 30 April - 3 May 2010. County consultations were subsequently held on

04-16 May 2010. The overall objective of the training was to increase the knowledge and skills of all

participating field staff, partner representatives and county community representatives in applying

PRA methods and techniques to better inform both consultation leaders and members of the local

government in the PRA dynamics. This training was geared toward preparing local teams to facili-

tate county consultations, identify community security needs and key conflict-sensitive projects that

the local communities believe would reduce instability in the 13 counties of Upper Nile State.

Key tools discussed in the workshop included:

Community mapping: enables participants to identify conflict and areas of insecurity

in their respective counties, as well as local level insecurity issues, parties involved and

possible conflict-sensitive projects to address the problems identified.

Trend lines: allow PRA facilitators to explore changes in security dynamics and the

evolving incidence of violence in the years since the signing of the CPA, directly ad-

dress factors that influenced the increase and decrease in county security, analyse com-

munity perceptions of security issues, and encourage the exploration of possible inter-

ventions to prevent and/or manage instability.

Seasonal calendars: map out the seasonality of security issues, enables discussions on

the factors contributing to conflict patterns and the exploration of possible interven-

tions to prevent or manage insecurity.

Data organisation tools: allow for the presentation of all emerging security issues and

suggests solutions to prepare for the participating stakeholders’ validation process. The

data in this specific study was compiled in a cause/effect matrix.

Prioritisation process: allows county stakeholders to identify the most pressing insta-

bility issues, opportunities for increased diversity of priorities by gender (men, youth

and women) and an understanding of the rationale behind the different rankings by

participants in each of the above categories.

Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions: enable participants and

stakeholders to cross-check issues which emerge as a result of utilising the various PRA

tools discussed above.

3.2. County consultation process

The county consultation process was designed to be as inclusive as possible and brought together

community representatives and key stakeholders such as members of the Government on the local

and county levels, and regional interest groups. Makal County, by virtue of being the host, was the

first to undergo the county consultation process and proved to be an excellent venue for pre-testing

4

the facilitators’ newly learnt PRA methodology. Consultation leaders from the UN and its govern-

ment counterparts were divided into four groups and each had an opportunity to visit three coun-

ties.

The team proceeded with the consultation process through the following phases:

Phase 1: Setting the pace

Teams were introduced to participating community members and the objectives of the county con-

sultations were shared. This was to refresh everyone on the purpose of the discussion and create a

common understanding.

Phase 2: Isolation and mapping out of conflict issues and areas

Participants used the appropriate PRA tools including community mapping, seasonal calendars, and

trend lines to map out what they believed to be areas of insecurity and conflict areas. They identified

and described the dynamics of specific issues and the parties involved, and discussed the causes of

those insecurities more fully in a shared forum.

Participants also sketched a county map to identify the critical issues which affect stability to capture

evidence-based concerns. The map was sketched on the ground in an open space, using locally

available materials. These critical issues were translated to a set of priorities, or ‘key issues,’ ana-

lysed and put in the context of localised patterns of insecurity.

Phase 3: Semi-structured interviews

PRA facilitators conducted semi-structured interviews with leaders/county administrators, chiefs,

youth and women. Situations and results differed from county to county.

Phase 4: Data organization and presentation

The PRA team reviewed, summarized, presented and confirmed the results with community mem-

bers before sharing them to the state and national governments. Based on the conclusions from the

focus groups, communities were able to build consensus on conflict issues and assign a priority level

to each, analyzing the causes, primary actors, and effects/impact each has on community life.

Phase 5: Preference ranking

Communities identified the most integral needs to their safety and quality of life, using the prefer-

ence ranking tool, one being the highest priority.

Phase 6: Community Action Plan (CAP)

This was the most tangible result of the community consultations and is intended to delineate the

following:

Development priorities as agreed upon by the community; Proposed actions and requirements; Duties and responsibilities of individuals and groups, work schedules; Identification of areas where the community requires external assistance.

Phase 7: Steering committees

Participants created a county steering committee in each county with representatives from the local

youth, women, elders, chiefs, security forces and the Government. Steering committees are responsi-

ble for initiating project coordination to managing projects in the community.

5

6

3.3. The Validation Meeting

The validation meeting, held two days after the consultations, brought together community mem-

bers, state government representatives, county commissioners, members of the SSPRC, the CSSAC

Bureau, Upper Nile State security personnel, NGOs, donors and UN technical staff including UNDP,

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Mission in South

Sudan (UNMISS). The meeting intended to share the outcomes of the comprehensive county-level

consultations widely to all relevant authorities and stakeholders. The meeting was also an opportu-

nity to validate the agreements made with the communities to ensure that their priorities would be

addressed.

4. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

This section provides an overview of the key findings and discussions which emerged from the

county consultations.

Outcomes from the CSAC consultations are complemented by results from community consulta-

tions on socioeconomic threats and risks, through the Crisis Risk and Mapping Analysis (CRMA)

Project of UNDP, in partnership with the South Sudan Bureau for National Statistics. CSAC and

CRMA collaborated in developing their methodologies and information to provide a layered and in-

depth community perception database. As such, some of the CRMA socioeconomic risks and threats

data complement the issues discussed in this report, as a context for the conflict drivers identified in

the CSAC consultations.

Nature of insecurity in Upper Nile

The specific nature of insecurity varied from county to county. Despite their localised contexts, all of

the participating counties expressed consistently recurring issues, underscoring major security prob-

lems in the state. Below is a summary of the observations made by the consultation team.

Youth are considered to be a major determin-

ing factor in the stability of individual com-

munities. If disenfranchised, they can be a

destabilizing threat. Many also participate in

conflicts either in self-defence or to avenge

attacks on their communities.

Boundary/land disputes remain a key security

issue common to almost all the counties vis-

ited.

The presence of military barracks within the

township posed a number of security prob-

lems for women and girls with reported cases

of rape and harassment allegedly conducted

by drunken soldiers.

The lack of water during the dry season and cattle raiding are inter-related. Cattle-raiding

peaks during the dry season when nomads migrate to river banks in search of water and

pasture for their animals. Competing for such limited resources often led to clashes. Cattle

raiding was also often done for quick inflow of capital and to pay high dowries.

Differing political ideologies increased security concerns in some counties which were con-

sidered to be strong bases for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Democratic Change

(SPLM-DC). Clashes occur between supporters of SPLM-DC and the more centralized

SPLM, and often go unreported in the international community.

Violence against women occurs regularly but gets little attention. Women are responsible

solely for domestic concerns and are often violated when performing actions related to these

roles.

The so-called ‘Niggas,’ or the marginalised and disenfranchised youth on the margins of

society, are the primary threat to community security. These youths are seen as lawless and

are often distinguished by their distinct dress code adopted from neighbouring countries

and movies. They are associated with the majority of rape and theft cases.

Uncontrolled natural wildlife is a security threat to a number of communities. Snakes and

lions are a significant concern to daily productivity, especially among women and girls who

search for firewood and water.

Border issues and the competition for resources have become increasingly problematic, es-

pecially in the southwestern counties like Ulang County bordering Jonglei State. The Nuer-

Luo ethnic group also occupy land used by Nuer-Jikany along the Sobat River.

Insecurity dynamics

Upper Nile is something of a unique entity when compared to the rest of states in South Sudan.

Having been under the control of the Government of Sudan for many years, and due to its location

bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia, it has constantly been under siege from some hostile threat. As

a consequence, it has adopted a multi-dimensional and complex outlook on the nature and dynam-

ics of instability. Over the course of the two civil wars in Sudan (from 1956–1972 and from 1983–

2005), Upper Nile has experienced a multitude of parallel local conflicts, the legacies of which still

impact human security today. It continues to suffer from ongoing violence, with organised rebels,

ethnic militias, and bandits responsible for the bulk of the violence.

Despite that consultation participants routinely acknowledged that the state is part of South Sudan,

facilitators observed a divided loyalty between the two regions and conflicted perceptions which, if

not well managed, indicate a serious possibility of increased current and future conflicts. There was

a strong sense of neglect among the participants, as well as lack of assurance from the Government,

both at the state and national levels, which could easily become a sense of profound alienation and

anger.

Chronic underdevelopment in Upper Nile, the lack of investment in state infrastructure, and the

influx of large numbers of returnees have led some residents to react violently to the uncontrolled

unrest in their areas and the subsequent increased competition over resources. A closer inspection of

the causes of insecurity at the county, payam and boma levels reveal an increased pressure on indi-

vidual actors to meet their own basic needs, making local residents more desperate. The changes in

demographic profiles at this level might mask more complex political dimensions.

The level of civilian small arms possession remains extremely high in the post-CPA period. Wide-

spread access to arms is undeniably a fundamental factor in the high levels of fatal violence and gen-

eral insecurity in the region. Any attempts at civilian disarmament would be unrealistic in the re-

gion’s current state, as the size of the task, local insecurities, cross-border threats and conflicts and

the earlier failure of previous accords (Addis Ababa and 1997 Khartoum Peace Agreement4) would

make such interventions both ill-conceived and close to impossible. In fact, following a more recent

7

8

Seasonal grazing areas—Upper Nile

attempt at disarmament accomplished very little; instead of surrendering their weapons, many lo-

cals hid them to retain as a security measure.

Conflict affecting women

Women were affected twice as much

by security issues. Most local

women were widowed during the

protracted war and have been con-

spicuously marginalised by tradi-

tional practices. The persistent pres-

sures from drought have also wors-

ened the food security situation and

adversely affected the ease of

“female work.” In most of the com-

munities in Upper Nile, women were

seen as hunters and gatherers, re-

sponsible for providing for their

families. Whenever the female

household heads were unable to pro-

vide, the incidence of domestic vio-

lence greatly increased, primarily

wife beating. Most of the groups

highlighted increased food production as a priority area which would address the issue of insecu-

rity.

Causes of insecurity

Insecurity in Upper Nile is multi-faceted and constantly evolving. Violence is far more complicated,

prevalent and threatening than mere cattle rustling, as is common in other areas. Violent clashes are

still fuelled by quarrels over resources but also remain bound in historical group issues and hostili-

ties. The main causes of the conflicts include:

Economic and sociocultural influence

Cattle and resources

The main threats to security in Upper Nile are killings, robbery, and loss of livelihoods through loot-

ing or crop theft. Most incidents are connected to cattle rustling, a source of relatively easy income

for many of the area’s pastoralist inhabitants. Cattle are a highly valued commodity: ‘They are our

bank account,’ said one resident. Cattle rustling is not only an expression of economic need but also

of inter-tribal rivalry over resources and grazing.

Land and boundary conflicts

Land is a major concern throughout South Sudan as a whole and Upper Nile is not an exception, as

land issues remain at the heart of tensions between bordering communities. Traditionally, land has

been owned by communities and administered under customary law, but there is currently no clear

framework for dealing with these issues following the CPA. The Land Act, aimed at establishing a

framework for land administration and mandating the South Sudan Land Commission, has yet to be

9

4 Brief history of modern Sudan. Valentino Achak Deng Foundation. Accessed May 2012. http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/history_of_sudan.php

Semi structured interview with women in Fashoda County. © UNDP

http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/history_of_sudan.php

passed into law. According to commu-

nity members, the set boundaries in

the state remain hotly contested such

that new county boundaries have

threatened to cause havoc.

Participants claimed that land-related

conflicts emerge primarily as a result

of 1) the constant migration of pastor-

alist communities in search of water

and pasture, 2) competition over land

use for agricultural versus grazing

purposes, and 3) the drying up of wells

and water points, which are perceived

as a threat among neighbouring communities. Arab nomadic goat herders had reportedly set fire to

neighbouring fields to ease the movement of their animals while on their seasonal migrations, delay-

ing harvests by the local Shilluk (Chollo) farmers. In the past, this has caused many groups to mi-

grate in search of water points and has often led to collision and violence.

Competition over water

The dearth of clean water sources remains a central concern for nearly all of the participating com-

munities. Attempts to access and use potable water have led to intense conflicts and security prob-

lems among bordering communities in Upper Nile.

Social factors

There are multiple social factors that have either caused or led to escalating insecurity including

widespread alcoholism and the pervasive appeal of social groups such as the so-called ‘Niggas.’

Local and international boundaries

Upper Nile has a high number of both national and international boundaries which permit the pro-

liferation of small arms from multiple sources, making it difficult to control arms flow into the state.

Counties bordering Ethiopia and Sudan are particularly unstable. Widespread access to arms re-

mains a fundamental factor in the high levels of fatal violence and the general levels of insecurity in

this region.

In addition, armed barracks located along inter-county and international borders often caused more

harm than good to domestic security. Barracks are strategically located to best cope with external

insurgence yet they threaten the domestic safety of the very states which they are supposed to pro-

tect.

Arms trading

Small arms are prevalent across borders and among pastoral communities. They are widespread and

a major deterrent to local safety. These arms are typically in the unsafe hands of thugs and criminals

who terrorize villages and communities, causing fear and unrest. Their discursive role in society has

become so widespread that both community members and security personnel freely acknowledged

that these malcontents would deal arms in public forums and were responsible for arms prevalence

throughout Upper Nile and other states of South Sudan. Others reportedly rent out their weapons to

earn a living.

Upper Nile State Consultation Validation Meeting. © UNDP

10

5. COUNTY-SPECIFIC FINDINGS

All 13 counties in Upper Nile were visited for the consultation: Akoka, Bailet, Fashoda, Longochuk,

Maban, Maiwut, Makal, Manyo, Melut, Luakpiny/Nasser, Panyikang, Renk and Ulang. The sum-

mary of each county provided here is based on the analysis of problems and priorities collected and

discussed during each consultation.

The Community Action Plan for each county was developed to include the priorities established

during the plenary presentation of the consultations. It is then intended to inform the Government's

conflict-sensitive projects with support from UNDP.

5.1. Akoka County

Akoka is the newest county in Upper Nile and is composed of four payams. Despite the presence of

a number of powerful oil drilling companies in the area, the county is underdeveloped and the envi-

ronment is highly polluted. Agricultural activities have been affected by the residual effects of pollu-

tion and local residents have associated an increased number of health problems with the oil indus-

try’s practices, including a high level of miscarriages in pregnant women.

The lack of clean drinking water is also a major concern in Akoka County. Boreholes and water

points are limited and there are often clashes over limited available clean drinking water, especially

among the women who are responsible for providing for their families and grow the crops. Some

community members claimed that some people lost body parts in Mayom Payam after drinking pol-

luted water.

The main economic activities in Akoka are rearing animals and growing crops such as maize and

sorghum using traditional agricultural farming methods.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions - Akoka

11

Conflict issues

Causes Actors Effects Possible solutions

Border

disputes Land ownership Revenue collec-

tion

SPLM –DC Government of

Sudan Akoka community

Loss of lives and property Constant fear Cattle raiding Diseases Hunger

Disarm the Shilluk Clear demarcation of borders Government protection for civil-

ians Reconciliation after GoSS has dis-

armed the Fashoda people

Lack of clean

drinking

water

Few water points Drought Far distance from

the Nile

GoSS UNS Akoka community

Diseases No harvests Hunger Loss of animals Migration

Construct more dams and bore-

holes

Diseases

(calazar)

Lack of potable

water Few and inade-

quate health cen-

tres Sun flies

GoSS Akoka community Animals

Death Disability Poverty

Provide clean water Establish health centres Provide drugs and trained medical

personnel

Cont...

12

Conflict issues


Competition

over agricul-

tural land

Petrol Dar Chinese Canadians Malazianes Indians Akoka

Loss of lives, animals and

plants Incidence of miscarriage Soil pollution Disabilities (in Mayom people

lost body parts after using

polluted water) Water pollution Diseases, e.g. cancer

Compensate the community Petrol Dar should put the so-

cial and environmental aspects

of their drilling into considera-

tion or the practice should be

stopped Petrol Dar should be sued in

court

Police posts

No funds to con-

struct posts Inadequate police

personnel Lack of communica-

tion equipment

GoSS UNS NGOs

Insecurity due to increased

crime levels Reduced law and order

Construct more police posts Increase the number of police

personnel Communication equipment

Cattle

raiding Acquire wealth Tribal clashes Dowry Border disputes

Akoka community Fashoda community

Loss of lives and property Constant fear among the

people

Establish police posts in the

area Disarm the Fashoda

Unemploy-

ment

Poor education Few jobs No NGOs and pri-

vate firms to offer

jobs Tribal conflicts

Youth Women Men GoSS UNS

Crime Poverty Street children Insecurity

Vocational training for youth

and women

Education

Lack of qualified

teachers No educational

infrastructure Poor meals in

schools

GoSS UNS Community Youth Children

Poverty Unemployment Illiteracy Underdevelopment

Construct schools Employ more teachers Improve meals in schools

Transporta-

tion infra-

structure

Poor roads Very few vehicles

Akoka community GoSS

Loss of lives due to inability

to rescue Unable to access basic ser-

vices such as health centres

Construct roads Establish passenger transport

companies

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions—Akoka County

Prioritisation of security issues – Akoka

Security issue Women Youth Elders Authority Total Rank 1-Highest 9-Lowest

Lack of clean drinking water 2 3 3 4 12 1

Diseases 3 2 5 3 13 2

Police posts 6 6 1 2 15 3

Education 5 1 4 8 18 4

Competition over pastoral land 4 4 2 9 19 5

Transport issues 1 8 6 7 22 6

Border disputes 7 5 9 1 22 7

Cattle raiding 8 7 7 5 27 8

Unemployment 9 9 8 6 32 9

13

Community Action Plan – Akoka

PROBLEM 1: Lack of clean drinking water

Project Action/resources Possible partners Start date Follow up actors

Construction

of boreholes

Land Construction

materials Hire a water

drilling com-

pany

Local Govern-

ment Donors GoSS NGOs UNDP

December 2010

GoSS UNS County council Community leaders Local steering com-

mittee

PROBLEM 2: Diseases

Construction of

health centres

Land Building mate-

rials Hire a con-

struction com-

pany

Local Government GoSS Donors UNDP UNS NGOs

December

2010

GoSS UNS County council Community leaders Local steering com-

mittee

5.2. Bailet County

Bailet County is approximately 25,000 sq km in size and has six payams. It borders Panyikang,

Makal, and Fashoda Counties to the west; Manyo and Melut Counties to the north; Maban, Lon-

gochuk and Nasser Counties to the east; and Jonglei State and the Ulang and Nyirol Counties to the

south. Bailet City is the capital of the county and its most populous area. The county has an esti-

mated population of 48,010.5 There are 11 different sub-clans from the Ngok, Lual and Yak-Dinka.6

The main economic activities in Bailet are growing crops and fishing – all areas typically deemed to

be in the realm of male work.

Security issues facing Bailet are based on external threats. Coupled with the area’s lack of develop-

ment, community members revealed their lack of confidence in the Government and its ability to

disburse resources and implement projects at the grassroots level.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Bailet

Cont...

14

Conflict issues


Land

disputes

Friendship (freeloaders) Competition over water Lack of respect for borders Migration of cattle Attempts to prevent others

access to water during dry sea-

son Displacement Diseases Poverty

Politicians (from

Shilluk) Communities Militia Arab politicians

Displace-

ment Killing Hunger Fear

Government intervention Peace conference Unity among the politi-

cians Border demarcation

Cattle

raiding

Wealth Food Presence of firearms Dowry Compensation Tax payments Business Death/fighting Scattered families Broken relationships Cause insecurity Poverty

Lou-Nuer Jikany-Nuer Matia Youth Men

Loss of

property Death Insecurity Constant

fear

Deploy enough police on

cattle raiding routes Government-created job

opportunities Create water points in

‘their’ places, e.g. Lou Bring perpetrators of

crimes to justice Identify raiders through

community reporting Public death sentence for

criminals (shoot in front

of people)

Poor

health

War Few doctors and nurses No lab equipment or medical

storage facilities No ambulance or transport for

patients No salary for medical person-

nel No GoSS or state budget for

building and maintaining hos-

pitals No hospital beds High incidence of maternal

death and disease

Sudan Armed

Forces (SAF) SPLA Tribal and clan

clashes Government and

state

Preventable

deaths High death

rates Miscarriages

among

women Malnutrition Decrease in

population Poor food

production

Deploy qualified doctors Government must build

hospitals, wards and

accommodation for doc-

tors Provide drugs and medi-

cal equipment Peace within the commu-

nity

5 Ibid, p. 16. 6 Upper Nile State Strategic Plan 2009-2010

15

Conflict issues


Migration Large number of disabled

people Death of youngest genera-

tion Poverty Maternal health

Poor

education

War No teachers, school build-

ings, offices or residences to

attract potential teachers Lax parents Remote locations Criminals Lack of development Migration

SAF SPLA Government

High illiteracy Unemployment High dropout

rates Increase in

criminal gangs

and activities Early marriages Lack of skilled

manpower

Build schools Deploy teachers Ensure salaries and

workers Construct boarding

schools with provided

meals

Inadequate

law en-

forcement

Lack of stability and secu-

rity No well-trained police No prisons and custodies Few police transportation

vehicles No judge or court structures Frustration No equality, justice

State government Community Convicts

High crime

rates Fear Injustice Killing Abduction of

girls Early/forced

marriage High abuse of

women rights Drunkards Child abuse Lack of trust Insecurity

Provide prison buildings

and custodies Construct offices and

residences for legal con-

sultants and police Transport and communi-

cation infrastructure for

police Community can help

build houses with gov-

ernment assistance

Lack of

communi-

cation

facilities

Government (State) Ministry of Transport and

Communication (MOTC) County authority

MOTC County authority Zain Company

Lack of access

to correct infor-

mation Mistrust

Provision of new net-

works such as Zain

Violence

against

women

Women not doing house-

work or tending to children Male lack of responsibility Polygamy Drinking wine (men and

women) Little respect between cou-

ples Prostitution (women) Laziness (men) No participation of women

in county structures (CPA

25%)

Women and men Unemployed Drunkards Relatives

Divorce Killing Fighting Trauma Distrust Hopelessness Illiteracy Poor health Miscarriages

among women

in reproductive

ages

State government and

GoSS should provide jobs Family and marriage

laws Prevent the making of

alcohol Increase dialogue be-

tween community mem-

bers

Cont...

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions—Bailet County

16

Conflict issues


Unem-

ployment

No job opportunities No laws for unemployed youth Nepotism and clanism (sector) No local companies, industries,

factories or businesses Thieves, cattle raiding, crimi-

nals, robbery Drunkards Prostitution Hunger Death Early marriage

Youth Women and men State government GoSS Ministry of Labor

Food insecurity Cattle raiding Youth gangs

activities Fighting/killing Children not

going to school Poor health Early/forced

marriages

Create an agricultural

scheme Government-created job

opportunities (for those

having certificates) Legal process for labor

office (selection process) Vocational training

schools Create laws governing

unemployment Provide opportunity for

investment in communi-

ties

Competi-

tion over

water

Lack of water in some areas,

such as for the Lou Nuer The river Grazing Theft Violence and death Fear of losing crops Presence of small arms and

light weapons (SALW) Poverty Activities in conflict areas

Lou Nuer Cattle keepers Jikany

Fighting Killing Cattle raiding Seasonal mi-

gration

Government should pro-

vide water to communi-

ties Raiders should be dis-

armed A meeting should be

conducted between com-

munities Clean water for all

payams Community issues

should be resolved with

government intervention Complete disarmament

Child

abduction

Causes are not fully known by

community Childless parents Depression and hard feelings Discomfort in the family Caretakers for elderly Death, suicide

Murle Trauma Killing Displacement

Government should take

care of children and solve

this problem Community will go to

the Murle to resolve the

issue as the government

does nothing

Early or

forced

marriage

Girls and women No forced marriage in Bailet Not responsible to themselves Mothers not taking care of their

daughters Delivery is hard and the mother

and child often die No respect for customary laws

in the new generation Silence in community about

issue although well known

Boys and girls Death during

child birth Trauma High rate of

illiteracy Unstable fami-

lies/fighting Divorce Poverty

Mothers should super-

vise their daughters and

sons Government should pass

laws regulating marriage

and give six months

prison for violators Boys and girls should not

be allowed out at night

(curfew)

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions—Bailet County

Prioritisation of security issues – Bailet County

17




Health 3 3 5 2 13 3

Lack of law enforcement 6 2 2 6 16 4

Land disputes 2 4 3 7 16 5

Communication 4 7 4 3 18 6

Competition over water 7 6 7 5 25 7

Child abduction 9 8 8 10 35 8

Early or forced marriage 10 9 9 8 36 9

Violence against women 8 10 10 9 37 10

Community Action Plan – Bailet

PROBLEM 1: Insecurity


Cattle raiding

Deploy police and army along strategic

border areas (create police posts)

GoSS Community State County

1 June

2010

UNDP Community GoSS County State

Unemployment

(agricultural and

vocational train-

ing)

Agricultural tools Manpower Engineers Fencing and barbed wire Water pumps

GoSS Community State County

1 June

2010

UNDP Community GoSS County State NGOs

Health

(improving health

service)

Hospitals Doctors Technicians Ambulance Vehicles Medical instruments Training of medical assistants and mid-

wives Drugs

GoSS Community State County NGO

20 June

2010

UNDP Community GoSS County State NGO

Lack of law

enforcement

(judicial and legal

advisors)

Offices and accommodations Government should provide trained

personnel Transport Trained judiciary

GoSS State Community

June 2010 County GoSS State

5.3. Fashoda County

Fashoda County borders Manyo, Akoka and Makal Counties, as well as the Southern Kordofan State

in Sudan. It is composed of three payams and has a population of approximately 36,518.7 Its ethnic

groups are primarily the Shilluk, Dinka, Nuer and the Arab tribes from Southern Kordofan.

The county’s most lucrative economic activities include agriculture through traditional methods,

pastoralism, fisheries whose products are exported to Sudan, and the harvesting of gum Arabic. In

terms of trade, most shops are owned by Arabs and very few South Sudanese participate in such

organized commercial endeavours.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Fashoda

Cont...

7 Ibid, p. 15.

18

Conflict issues


Land

disputes

Political manipulation Lack of respect for individual

rights by the government Tribalism Presence of arms No social co-existence Migration Armed clashes

Shilluk and

Dinka (from

Akoka County)

Distrust Displacement Fighting Killing Loss of prop-

erty Restriction of

movement Fear Food insecu-

rity

Disarmament Respect for individual right to

property Clear border demarcation for

counties Peace and reconciliation con-

ferences

Border

disputes

Unclear border demarcation Extension of territories Occupation policy Insecurity No social co-existence Migration Armed clashes

Shilluk and

Dinka (from

Akoka County)

Fighting Killing Displacement Distrust

Border demarcation for coun-

ties Peace and reconciliation con-

ferences Establish mutual respect be-

tween the two tribes

Competi-

tion over

water and

pasture

Lack of enough water Seasonal migration by the

Arab nomads Armed conflicts Migrations, general instabil-

ity

Community Arab nomads

Food insecu-

rity Fighting Killing Cattle raiding Seasonal mi-

gration

Provision of water sources

Unemploy-

ment

Lack of institutions to em-

ploy disenfranchised youth Low salary scale offered by

GoSS discourage youth from

contributing to legal activi-

ties Insecurity Arabic education

Primarily the

youth Women

Early/forced

marriages Youth gangs Street chil-

dren Drunkards

Creation of developmental

projects Improve security at the river Migration to other parts of

South Sudan Establish vocational centres Intensify formal education Establish small scale indus-

tries

19

Conflict issues


Alcohol abuse Need for jobs Migration to north Slow repatriation from

the north

Cattle raiding Food insecurity Violence against

women Prostitution

Alcohol abuse

Peer influence Cultural inheritance Lure of imported alco-

hol (beer) Unemployment Family breakdowns Poverty

Youth Women Men

Fighting Divorce Death Lawlessness Poor health

Create employment opportu-

nities Prohibit alcoholic drinks in

the county Encourage self-discipline

Violence against

women

Alcoholism Cultural influence Polygamy Early and forced mar-

riage Poverty Poor health Divorce Broken families

Youth

(‘Niggas’) Armed ex-

soldiers Prostitution Traditional

male attitudes

Early/forced mar-

riages Polygamy Divorce Fighting Killing Poor health Malnutrition Anaemia Trauma Raping

Employ youth Sensitize community on the

issue of female education Polygamy should be discour-

aged Policy on drinking – it should

be discouraged

Military barracks

located within

the civilian popu-

lation

SPLA leadership deci-

sion Clashes with civilians

SPLA soldier Civilians

Raping Fighting Killing Prostitution Abuse of alcohol Distrust Fear

Relocate military barracks

outside town Encourage mutual respect

between soldiers and civilians Soldiers should not carry guns

in public places such as mar-

kets

Violent youth

groups (‘Niggas’)

Western influence Unemployment Peer pressure

Youth Killing Fighting Raping Fear Insecurity Stealing Trauma Illiteracy

Create laws to ban these

groups Parental guidance Vocational centres Sensitize youth to pertinent

issues

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions—Fashoda County

20

Prioritisation of security issues – Fashoda

Security issue Youth Women Elders/ admin

Total Rank 1-Highest 9-Lowest

Land disputes 2 3 1 6 1

Competition over water 3 1 4 8 2

Border disputes 1 2 9 12 3

Alcohol abuse 6 6 2 14 4

Location of military barracks 5 8 3 16 5

Violence against women 7 4 5 16 6

Unemployment 4 7 6 17 7

Competition over water (pasture) 9 5 7 21 8

Violent youth groups (‘Niggas’) 8 9 8 25 9

Community Action Plan – Fashoda



Establish four

police stations

Community mobilization Community can provide

land Provide local materials Provide building materials Labor

County authority Community leaders GoSS UNDP

1 June 2010 GoSS County authority County steering com-

mittee UNDP

Create an

agricultural

scheme and

fishing project

Community mobilisation Land Tractors Fishing supplies: boats,

nets, hooks


1 June 2010 GoSS County authority County steering com-

mittee UNDP

Create nine

water stations

Mobilisation of the commu-

nity Site allocation Building materials Labor Pipes


1 June 2010 GOSS County authority County steering com-

mittee UNDP

5.4. Longochuk County

Longochuk County stretches 6,972 sq km and is bordered by Ethiopia and five counties in South Su-

dan: Bahet, Nasir, Malut, Maban and Maiwut. It is composed of seven payams, namely Malual,

Guelguk, Wudier, Dajo, Jangok, Pamach and Mathiang, the county capital. Its total population is

estimated at 63,166.8 Longochuk County contains a high population of returnees from neighbouring

countries and other areas. The county itself is underdeveloped with poor roads and little develop-

ment of infrastructure. Respondents claimed that they preferred to stay in the capital town in

Mathiang which they deemed to be better developed as it had health care facilities.

The main economic activities in Longochuk are growing crops such as maize and sorghum using

traditional methods and tools.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Longochuk

Cont... 8 Ibid, p. 16.

21

Conflict issues


Cattle

raiding

Hunger Revenge Recovery of dowry

in case of divorce Unemployment

Youth from the Jonglei

State, Nasser and other

border countries such as

Ethiopia Former soldiers and

men from other security

organs not re-integrated

into society Other community mem-

bers (elders inclusive)

Killings Hunger Disputes among

counties, payams

and family mem-

bers Migration Prevents border

trade

Agriculture scheme/

project Deploy army/police at

the county border line Employment opportu-

nities for the educated

and schools for the

uneducated Establish water points

throughout the county

Competition

over water

No water points and

catchments

All community mem-

bers but mostly women

Family disputes Diseases Miscarriages Poor sanitation

Construct boreholes

for people and water

catchments for ani-

mals Construct a canal

from the River Nile to

Longochuk County Re-open the Machal

stream from the Sobat

river

Poor roads Newly established

county Political interference

from Northern Su-

dan

Government Humanitarian sup-

port delayed or

unable to reach its

destination Migration to Ethio-

pia No/reduced trade Inaccessibility of

health centres

Government should

construct roads Humanitarian donors

should support the

government

Diseases Poor hygiene Little potable water Lack of food Few health centres Consumption of

dead animals Early pregnancies

Community members Government

Deaths Mental problems Disabilities such as

blindness, deafness

and paralysis

Government should

construct health cen-

tres in each of the

payams Households should

construct latrines Education sessions on

sanitation for the com-

munity

Cont… Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions—Longochuk County

22

Conflict issues


Diseases Poor hygiene Little potable

water Lack of food Few health cen-

tres Consumption of

dead animals Early pregnan-

cies

Community members Government

Deaths Mental problems Disabilities such as

blindness, deafness

and paralysis

Government should

construct health cen-

tres in each of the

payams Households should

construct latrines Education sessions on

sanitation for the com-

munity

Famine and

food security

Lack of rain and

infrastructure to

deal with

drought Lack of tools

and equipment Laziness Insecurity Poor roads

Community members Government Natural factors

Deaths Inter-community

fighting Alcoholism Migration Lack of productiv-

ity Human reproduc-

tivity is low

Government should

provide tools and

equipment to each

payam Construct irrigation

facilities People should involve

themselves in agricul-

tural production Government should

provide security in

the county

Violence

against

women

Women who

refuse advances

from men are

raped Presence of of-

ten violent un-

married soldiers Polygamy Alcoholism Family conflicts

Men Security personnel

Divorce Trauma Family and com-

munity conflicts Death Affects children of

the parties involved

Practice monogamy Raise awareness on

the dangers of vio-

lence against women Women should seek

redress in courts

Communica-

tion

Poor road net-

works Newly estab-

lished county Government has

no capacity to

provide neces-

sary equipment

Government Difficult to inform

the appropriate

authorities about

security issues or

the outbreak of

diseases

Government should

provide communica-

tions equipment

Education No salaries for

teachers No permanent

school struc-

tures

Government Community

Cattle raiding when

people are unable

to secure employ-

ment due to poor

education Teachers migrate to

urban centres or

other countries

where they are paid Migration of some

children to secure

better education Early marriages

Government should

pay the salaries of

teachers Construct permanent

schools structures Community should be

involved in the con-

struction of the

schools.

23

Prioritisation of security issues – Longochuk

Security issue Women Youth Admin/

elders



Poor roads 3 6 1 10 2

Famine and hunger 4 7 2 13 3

Education 2 5 7 14 4

Diseases 7 4 4 15 5

Cattle raiding 9 1 6 16 6


Communication 8 8 5 21 8


Inter-clan and tribal clashes 12 9 8 29 10

Armed robbery 10 11 11 32 11

Abductions 11 12 12 35 12

Community Action Plan – Longochuk

PROBLEM 1: Competition over water

Project Action and resources Possible partners Start date Follow up actors

Construct boreholes in

each of the following seven

payams: Jangok, Pamach,

Dajo, Mathiang, Malual,

Guelguk and Udier

Land Construction materi-

als Contract a water

drilling company

Local govern-

ment UNDP Other donors

November

2010

Local steering

committee

Construction of water catch-

ments for animals in each

of the seven payams

Land Machinery for con-

struction Fencing materials

Local govern-


November

2010

Local steering

committee

PROBLEM 2: Poor roads

Construct roads connecting

all of the payams

Hire a road construc-

tion company

Government November

2010

Local authority Local steering

committee

5.5. Maban County

The name Maban derives from the designation given to the local indigenous people meaning

“people of the land.” Geographically, Maban is in the northeast area of Upper Nile and stretches

11,854 sq km.9 It is bordered by the Blue Nile region to the northeast, Renk County to the west, and

Maluth and Longochuk Counties to the south. It has an estimated population of 45,238 and is com-

posed of five payams: Boung, Banshowa, Khor-Elhamer, Jin-magda and Jin-Kowata.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions - Maban

Cont...

24

Conflict issues


Border disputes Caused by political oppor-

tunists who want to benefit

from the chaos Some communities do not

respect established

boundaries (Dinkas from

Malut and Renk) Need to collect more reve-

nue by Malut and Renk

Counties Presence of gum Arabic

(Done by the Dinkas.

These trees are only found

in Maban.)

Maban com-

munity Dinkas in

Malut and

Renk Nual of Lon-

gochuk

Conflicts Death Prevented the

county’s last census Causes the unofficial

change of names in

different areas

throughout the

county Women are in danger

during the disputes

Seek dialogue among

the conflicting coun-

ties Establish county bor-

der demarcation com-

mittees Bring in experts to

assist local commit-

tees in officially defin-

ing borders

Famine and food

security

Laziness Weather fluctuations

sometimes bring floods Lack of modern tools for

agriculture Misuse of harvested food Fires set by nomads Big families

Weather Community

members

Migration Deaths of people and

animals Food theft

WFP should supply

food Introduce advanced

farming methods and

equipment Construct water ca-

nals for irrigation

Transportation

infrastructure

Insufficient county budget

for materials and ma-

chines to construct roads

and bridges Lack of state budget to

actually construct roads

and bridges

Children Women Men Youth

Death, especially

among children Prevents accessibility

of health centres,

especially for preg-

nant women

Government should

construct roads and

bridges Donors should pro-

vide financial capital

to construct roads and

bridges Provide materials and

equipment to the

county to encourage

local initiatives

Poor Education Untrained and unqualified

teachers - currently work-

ing as volunteers, no sala-

ries Shortage of teachers in

some payams Inconsistencies - syllabus

in English and teaching in

Arabic

Community

members Government

High illiteracy Early marriage Poor development

Government should

pay teachers’ salaries Teachers should be

able to speak English Employ more teachers Laws encouraging

childhood school at-

tendance should be

created

9 Ibid, p. 11.

Cont… Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions—Maban County

25

Conflict issues


No teacher accommoda-

tion Few to no preschools and

female teachers Few available teaching

materials Little adult education Parents prevent their chil-

dren from attending school

Community

members Government

High illiteracy Early marriage Poor development

Boarding schools

should be created for

students from distant

communities Construct more

schools within the

payams for easier

access Form parent-teacher

associations to moni-

tor progress in schools

Violence against

women

Common traditional prac-

tices such as polygamy Women who refuse the

advances of men are raped Presence of many unmar-

ried men Women are beaten for re-

fusing to support men and

complete domestic tasks

Men Women

Divorce Death Affects the children

of the involved par-

ties

Mass sensitization to

the rights of women Encourage gender

mainstreaming Encourage female

education Encourage good male-

female relationship by

promoting communi-

cation in the home Raise awareness of

women’s rights and

issues surrounding

violence against

women

Unemployment Few jobs Lack of education and ex-

perience in general public Tribalism determines hir-

ing practices No budget allocation for

employment by county Illiteracy especially among

women

Youth Women Employers -

oil compa-

nies Men Local au-

thorities

Crimes increase -theft Increased drunken-

ness Beggars and poverty Hunger Family conflicts

Provide loans to

youth Establish vocational

training centres Create environments

conducive to encour-

aging outside invest-

ment and thus pro-

vide job opportunities Create income gener-

ating activities

Poor health ser-

vices

State government does not

supply drugs Few students enroll in

medical school NGOs are not actually

supplying drugs as man-

dated Lack of coordination be-

tween the community and

state on medical issues


Death Government should

assign medical per-

sonnel and lab techni-

cians to county health

centres Construct drug stor-

age facilities Government should

supply necessary

drugs Establish a medical

training centre in mid-

wifery

Prioritisation of security issues – Maban

11Koch commissioner, Police commissioner, South Sudan Wildlife service, South Sudan People’s Liberation Army, and South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement secretary

26


elders


Famine/food security 2 1 1 4 1

Competition over water for people

and animals

3 2 3 8 2

Education 4 3 2 9 3


Health 5 5 5 15 5

Transportation infrastructure 6 7 4 17 6



Community Action Plan – Maban

PROBLEM 1: Famine/ food security

Project Action/Resources Possible partners Start Date Follow up actors

Advanced agricul-

tural farming prac-

tices in Jinmada

and Bugaya

Agricultural materials:

seeds, pesticides, tools,

irrigation, tractors, land

and labor Agricultural experts to

teach improved farming

methods

Community State GoSS UNDP Donors

August 2010 Local govern-

ment Local steering

committee

PROBLEM 2: Competition over water for animals and people

Construction of

boreholes in each

of the four payams

Land Contract a water drilling

company

Local govern-

ment UNDP Other donors State

November 2010 Local govern-

ment Local steering

committee

Construction of

water catchments

for animals in each

of the five payams

Land Machinery for construct-

ing the catchments Fencing materials

PROBLEM 3: Poor education

Construction of

boarding schools in

each of the five

payams

Construction materials:

land, labor Contract a construction

company

Local govern-

ment Community UNDP Other donors State

November 2010

PROBLEM 4: Border disputes

Dialogue meeting

for conflicting

counties (to take

place in Malakal)

Mobilization of delegates Transportation Accommodation Meals (cows)

Local govern-


November 2010

5.6. Maiwut County

Maiwut County is located in the eastern area of the Upper Nile State. Its total population is esti-

mated at 45,238 and has a surface area of approximately 3,788 sq km10 and shares borders with

Ethiopia and Maban, Nasir and Longochuk Counties. Maiwut has nine payams: Maiwut, Jotome,

Wuor, Malek, Uleng, Kigile, Pagak, Turnur and Jekow.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Maiwut

27

Conflict issues


Cattle raiding Hunger Lack of water Presence of arms

(Ethiopians)

Ethiopians Sudanese

Killings

Increase the number of

police stations in all nine

payams (one station in

each payam) Peace talks between

Ethiopia and Sudan

Competition

over water

No boreholes Little to no rainfall

Migration Family disputes

Construct boreholes for

people and water catch-

ments for animals

Crime (theft

and homicide)

Competition for fertile

land Poverty Revenge

Community

members

Loss of lives and

property

Construct police posts

with prisons in each

payam Vehicles Provide communication

equipment

Poor roads Wars in Sudan de-

stroyed roads Government’s refusal

to construct roads in

the county


Deaths by ani-

mal attack Little to no busi-

ness Accessibility

difficult in times

of invasion

Government should con-

struct roads

Violence

against women

Lack of water, leading

to women being raped

when they go in search

of water Poor roads which lead

to women being am-

bushed

Men Animals

Loss of lives Unwanted preg-

nancies

Construct water points,

such as boreholes with

distribution networks

Unemploy-

ment

No jobs Lack of qualifying edu-

cation Tribalism No budget allocation

for counties to employ

locals Illiteracy, especially

among women Little job experience

Youth Women Employers (oil

companies)

with tribalistic

practices Men Local authori-

ties (tribalism),

especially at

county level

Crime increases

(theft) Drunkenness Beggars Hunger Family conflicts

Provide loans to youth Establish vocational train-

ing centres Create environments con-

ducive to encouraging

outside investment that

provides job opportuni-

ties Create income-generating

activities.

10 Ibid, p. 15.

28

Prioritisation of security issues – Maiwut


elders



Poor roads 2 2 1 5 2

Competition for water 3 3 4 10 3

Diseases 4 4 3 11 4

Cattle raiding 7 5 5 17 5

Lack of clarity on who governs

the county

6 6 7 19 6

Crime 8 7 6 21 7


Wild animals 9 8 8 25 9

Community Action Plan – Maiwut

PROBLEM: 1 Unemployment

Project Action/resources Possible partners Start date Who will follow up

Construction of voca-

tional training centres

in each payam

Construction materials: la-

bour, bricks, sand, roofing

materials, cement, metal bars,

poles, general equipment and

tools Salaries for instructors Instruction in vocational

skills: tailoring, weaving, ma-

sonry, carpentry, soap mak-

ing, pottery, metal works

Government Community UNDP Other donors

November 2010 Government County council Community leaders Local steering com-

mittee

PROBLEM 2: Poor Roads

Construction of road

network from

Mathiang Fagak Maiwut, to include all

payams

Contract a road construction

company

Government November 2010 Government Local leaders Community

PROBLEM 3: Competition for water by animals and people

Construction of two

water catchments in

each payam for ani-

mals

Land Machinery for construction Fencing materials

Local govern-


November 2010 Government Local leaders Community

Construction of bore-

holes and water dis-

tribution networks in

each payam

Land Labour Construction materials

Local govern-

ment Community UNDP Other donors

November 2010 Government Local steering com-

mittee

PROBLEM 4: Diseases

Establishment of

health centres in each

payam

Land Labour Construction materials Drugs Hospital equipment Health personnel

Government

5.7. Makal County

Makal County contains the capital of Upper Nile State, Malakal. It has a surface area of 737 sq km

and a total population of 126,483.11 It is composed of five payams: Lelok, Central and the Northern,

Eastern and Southern payams. The presence of SPLA in the south, SAF in the north and the Joint

Integrated Unit (JIU) in the central payams poses a number of security concerns for the local com-

munity. The presence of arms is widespread throughout all levels of society from civilian to soldier

and has led to a high level of violence and death in the county. There are often conflicts between ci-

vilians and soldiers in the Malakal markets.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Makal

11 Ibid, p. 11.

29

Conflict issues


Competition over

water

Widespread

water short-

ages One particular

community

does not have

its own source

of water

All members

of the commu-

nity are in-

volved Youth Elders Men

Loss of human

life and prop-

erty Women and

children ab-

ducted

Water dams Water catchments, Boreholes Attempt reconcilia-

tion between the Lou

and Jikany so that

the Lou can peace-

fully graze their cat-

tle in the Jikany area

Small arms Attacks on

Jikany during

the dry season

because of

their natural

water sources

Lou Nuer Youth Men

Loss of human

life in conflicts,

especially

youth and

men Abduction of

children Loss of assets

Peaceful disarma-

ment with the in-

volvement of those

who own weapons Government and

community involve-

ment, responsibility

Tribal clashes Ownership of

land contested Improper use

of land Perceived ab-

sence of re-

spect for land

boundaries

Dinka and

Shilluk tribes Residents of

Akoka,

Fashoda, Me-

lut, Manyo,

Bailet and

Panyikang

Counties

Loss of human

life and prop-

erty Destruction of

relationships Animals and

homes de-

stroyed

Mobilize and educate

people on the issues

surrounding

boundaries Lobby the Upper

Nile State and GoSS

authorities to re-

define and delineate

boundaries

Boundary

conflicts

Land disputes

and tribal con-

flicts Use of force/

power

Dinka Collo/Shilluk

Displacement Death Fear, food

security No free move-

ment

Prioritisation of security issues - Makal

Community Action Plan –Makal

Cont...

30

Security issue Women Youth Admin/ elders Total Rank 1-Highest 10-Lowest

Presence of firearms 1 1 1 3 1

Child abduction 11 10 11 32 2




Presence of ‘Niggas’

and street children

3 5 9 17 5

Cattle Raiding 7 9 3 19 6

Land disputes 8 6 6 20 7

Violence against

women

4 7 10 21 8

Tribal clashes 6 12 4 22 9

Presence of land mines 9 8 7 24 10

PROBLEM 1: Army barracks


Construction of

army barracks

out of town

Construct new barracks Council for Defence of

Arms State GoSS USA Community

1 Nov

2010

GoSS State government County council Community lead-

ers

PROBLEM 2: Militias

Disarmament of

small armies and

militias

Awareness mecha-

nism Policies on disarma-

ment and disposal

1 June

2010

GoSS All Army JUIC (Joint

Defence Force) County com-

mittee

31

Cont… Community Action Plan –Makal County

PROBLEM 3: Land

Border/land

demarcation

Government should

set clear boundaries

through maps Form dispute manage-

ment committee Transport Money Sign post

State authority University Administration

officers UNDP

1 Nov

2010

State authority Local admini-

stration

Agricultural

project

Tractors Seeds Workers Land Tree clearing Spare parts Tools Water pumps

UNDP Agriculture Community GoSS UNDP NGOs

15 June

2010

County com-

mittees Ministry of

Agriculture

Vocational

training centre

Carry out survey/

assessment Trainees Teachers Land around indus-

trial area Building materials:

iron sheets, generator,

machines, equipment,

generator and diesel Money for a computer

centre

GoSS UNDP

1 Nov

2010

Local authority County council

PROBLEM 4: Water

Extension of

water pipes

Water station in east-

ern towns Survey for establish-

ing the extension prac-

tically Water drawing times

defined by each sta-

tion Pipes Generator

Water coopera-

tion State

1 June

2010

Water coop-

eration County com-

mittees NGOs Chiefs

5.8. Manyo County

Manyo County is bordered by the White Nile to the north and Southern Kordofan State to the east.

It is composed of five payams: Wadakona, Kak, Magenis, Athidhway, and Kwalo. The population of

the county is approximately 38,01012 people, the majority of whom are of the Shilluk (Chollo) ethnic

group. There are also members of the Arab tribes originating from the White Nile and Southern Kor-

dofan States, the Nuer, the Dinka and the Brun.

The area’s primary economic activities are fishing, agriculture, charcoal burning, gum Arabic pro-

duction and the rearing of livestock.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Manyo

32

12 Ibid, p. 15

Conflict issues


Border disputes Unclear border demar-

cation Conflicts over limited

resources

Instability Politicians GoSS Upper Nile State Southern Kordofan White Nile State

Conferences be-

tween the three

states Newer demarcation

of borders than the

previous decision

of January 1956

Land disputes Encroachment into

others’ territory Rivalry over resources

Death Conflicts

Dinka Shilluk (Chollo)

Meetings should be

held between the

elders of the two

warring tribes

Competition over

water

Water scarcity Drought and the subse-

quent movement of

nomads

Migration High cost of wa-

ter Disease Pollution

Nomads Citizens

Dig boreholes,

hand pumps, dams

and reservoirs Water stations

Competition for

pasture

Scarcity of pasture and

grass Setting fire to fields Late harvest of crops

Conflicts between

farmers and no-

mads Deaths of animals Migration

Nomads Farmers Hunters Charcoal makers

Fire lines Enlighten nomads Farmers in tree

control Awareness of is-

sues

Cattle theft Unemployment Hunger Greed

Loss of property Poverty Conflicts Death Frustration

Some members of

the youth Butchers Cattle traders

Issue passes and

permits Cattle raiding Institute check-

points at the border

Armed robbery Presence of arms cul-

ture

Violence Insecurity Fear Hunger

Ex-combatants Creating security

apparatus Disarmament Patrolling

Land mines War Death Danger

SAF SPLA

De-mine through-

out the county

Cont...

Cont… Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions– Manyo County

Conflict issues


Presence of Sudan

Armed Forces

(SAF)

No implementation of

Security Protocol

Agreement

Instability Fear

SAF Demobilization Border demarcation

Conflicts between

farmers and cattle

owners

Agriculture Lack of pasture Fire Gum Arabic

Conflicts Death Insecurity

Farmers Nomads

Fire lines Demarcate farming

areas with input of

elders and chiefs

Disputes related to

taxes

Tax collection Overlapping ad-

ministration be-

tween counties

Administration of

three states: Upper

Nile, White Nile

and Southern Kor-

dofan

Border demarcation Joint taxation teams

Presence of popu-

lar defense forces

(Northern Sudan)

Strengthen the posi-

tions of Arab nomads

Social instability NIF/Government of

Sudan Silem Tribe Awlad Hamid

Disarmament Border demarcation

Presence of fire-

arms

Tribal conflicts Political manipulation

Fear Death Instability

Arab tribes Disarmament Formulation of

laws controlling the

ownership of weap-

ons

Competition over

gum Arabic

Wealth Natural Scarcity

Little production Owners and traders

Prioritisation of security issues – Manyo


elders



Presence of armed groups 2 1 2 5 2


Land/border disputes 3 8 3 14 4


Tribalism 5 9 5 19 6

Presence of landmines and

UXOs

7 6 6 19 7

Tax/revenue disputes 8 4 7 19 8

Conflict over gum Arabic 9 7 8 24 9

33

34

Community Action Plan – Manyo

PROBLEM 1: Water and security infrastructure

Project Action/Resources Possible partners Start date Follow up actors

Establish fifteen

water stations

(water pumps,

boreholes and res-

ervoirs)

Mobilization of com-

munity Map water points Provide materials,

tools and equipment Labor Machines for drilling

Community

elders and

chiefs Engineers GoSS State County UNDP

May 2010 Community Local steering

committee

Build 10 police

posts

Land Local building mate-

rials Engineers Law enforcement,

police Labor

Community County State UNDP


committee Government

PROBLEM 2: Agriculture

Agriculture

scheme

Land Tractors and equip-

ment Bulldozers Tippers Puklin Irrigation pumps

State County Community


committee Government Local leaders

PROBLEM 3: Land

Fire lines and/or

roads for cattle

Survey Dig boreholes

GoSS State County Community UNDP

June 2010 Community Local steering

committee Local leaders GoSS County

Construction of

schools in the fol-

lowing locations:

Jangok, Pamach,

Dajo, Mathiang,

Malual, Guelguk,

and Udier payams

Land Labour Construction materi-

als Contract a construc-

tion company

Local govern-

ment State

November 2010 Local steering

committee Government

PROBLEM 5: Health

Construction of

health centres in

each payam

Land Labour Contract a construc-

tion company Drugs Salaries for medical

personnel

Community Local govern-

ment

November 2010 Local govern-

ment Local steering

committee

35

5.9. Melut County

Melut County has a total surface area of 6,950 sq km and an estimated population of 49,242.13 The

city of Maluth is the largest and most populous in the county. The region is bordered by Manyo

County to the west, Renk County to the north, Maban and Longochuk Counties to the east and

Bailet County to the south. Melut is composed of six payams and a total of 39 bomas. The area’s eth-

nic structure is 90 percent Dinka, 3 percent Cholluk, 2 percent Nuer and 5 percent are from other

tribes. The county’s economic activities include fishing, agriculture, charcoal burning, gum Arabic

production and livestock raising.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions– Melut

Conflict issues


Border and

land disputes

Land ownership Need 2% from oil

revenue Arabs offer large

quantities of money

to buy grazing land Presence of nomads

in the area

The Arabs Petrol Dar company Melut community Government of Su-

dan SPLM- DC

Loss of lives Constant fear Displacement No unity within the

community

Separate the North and

South Promote unity within the

South Train people in conflict

and security issues GoSS should close or ex-

pel the Petrol Dar com-

pany

Police posts No funds to con-

struct posts No communication

equipment or vehi-

cles

GoSS UNS Melut County ad-

ministration Melut community

Constant fear Increased crime Little to no law en-

forcement Lack of development Constant insecurity

Construct more police

posts Increase the number of

police personnel Outfit police with com-

munication equipment

and vehicles Organize training work-

shops for police in the

fields of conflict manage-

ment, resolution and

transformation

Tax/revenue

collection

disputes

Need to increase

revenue in a number

of counties No clear demarca-

tion of borders Little border control Abuse of power

Melut County Maban County Akoka County Renk County

Displacement Instability Reduced economic

activity

Strengthen laws govern-

ing tax collection Create a clear revenue

collection policy Respect and implement

the CPA

Pollution Harmful practices of

the Petrol Dar Com-

pany, especially in

Gakbeny, Mayom,

Pabuny and

Nyangeu

Petrol Dar Chinese Canadians Malazianes Indians Community

Loss of lives, crops

and animals High incidence of

miscarriages Soil pollution Disabilities - in the

Mayom Payam people

lost body parts after

using polluted water Water pollution Diseases such as can-

cer

Compensate the commu-

nity for damages Petrol Dar should con-

sider the social and envi-

ronmental aspects of their

activities or be expelled Petrol Dar should be sued

in court

13 Ibid, p. 15

Cont… Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions– Melut County

Conflict issues


Presence of

JIU in town

The SAF barracks

are currently located

in the town limits

Melut County com-

munity SAF

Death Theft House burning

Relocate the JIU army

outside the town limits Separate Northern and

Southern Sudan SAF and SPLA should

also be in barracks lo-

cated outside of the town

Cattle raiding Presence of nomads

in the county Acquisition of

wealth

Arab nomads County Community

Death Loss of property Constant fear

Establish police posts in

the area Disarm Arab nomads

Poor roads Heavy vehicles car-

rying oil destroy the

roads Petrol Dar has not

constructed roads

according to their

CPA obligations GoSS did not estab-

lish roads as priority

in Melut County

Petrol Dar UNS Melut County GoSS

Low economic activity Increased accidents Increased insecurity Inaccessibility of basic

services, such as

health centres

Government and Petrol

Dar should construct

roads for civilian use

Presence of

pits dug by

road construc-

tion compa-

nies

Dug by companies

in need of soil, did

not cover the pits

when finished with

their projects

Road construction

companies Melut County Community

Diseases Loss of lives - both

people and animals Disabilities

Pits should be covered Compensation should be

given to those injured by

the presence of the pits

Competition

for clean wa-

ter by people

and animals

The most utilized

river is far from the

area Borehole water is

salty due to presence

of oil Few vehicles to

transport water

Melut County Community Petrol Dar Animals

Local unrest Diseases Migration

Provide adequate clean

water for community

members and animals

Decision to

demand com-

pensation

from offend-

ing compa-

nies (petrol,

road construc-

tion etc.)

Loss of land Loss of fields Diseases caused by

pollution

Melut County Community Petrol Dar Government of Su-

dan

Conflict between the

community and Petrol

Dar company Destruction of Petrol

Dar property Loss of lives in the

course of violence

Petrol Dar should ade-

quately compensate the

community for damages

caused by their presence

and work

Mistreatment

of county

residents by

Petrol Dar

Marginalization of

people in South Deliberate denial of

development initia-

tives in the South

Melut County Community Petrol Dar

Poverty common in

the Melut community Fighting between the

community and Petrol

Dar personnel Constant dismissal of

employees from South

Sudan

Promote equality Compensate those af-

fected and unable to gain

employment Sensitize all involved to

concepts surrounding

universal human rights

36

Prioritisation of security issues – Melut


Environmental pollution 1 2 6 1 10 1

Competition over clean water 4 3 2 3 12 2

Decision to demand compensation from

offending companies (petrol, road construc-

tion, etc.)

3 1 3 5 12 3

Mistreatment of county community by Pet-

rol Dar

3 1 3 5 12 3

Poor roads 2 4 5 2 13 4

Border/land disputes 6 7 1 7 21 5

Presence of pits dug by road construction

companies

5 6 8 8 27 6

Presence of JIU in town 8 5 4 10 27 7

Dispute over collection of taxes/revenue 10 8 7 6 31 8

Cattle raiding by pastoralists 9 10 10 9 38 9

Community Action Plan – Melut

PROBLEM 1: Environmental degradation

Project Action and

resources

Possible partners Start date Follow up actors

Water Truck Vehicles

and Tankers

Vehicles Tanker Drivers

UNDP/ other do-

nors/GoSS/NGOs July 2010

37

Cont...

5.10. Nasser County

Nasser County is bordered by Ulang, Bailet, Longochuk, and Maiwut Counties and Ethiopia to the

south. The county has a number of natural water sources, including the Sobat River which runs east

to west throughout the region and the Nile which lies further north. It is composed of 15 payams

and has an estimated population of approximately 700,00014 people, primarily from the Nuer ethnic

group. The region’s economic activities include traditional agriculture, pastoralism, fishing and inter

-county trading.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Nasser

Conflict issues


Border/land

disputes

Land ownership The need for 2% from

oil revenue Arabs who offer big

money to buy grazing

land Presence of nomads in

the areas

The Arabs Petrol Dar com-

pany Melut community Government of

Sudan SPLM- DC

Loss of lives Constant fear Displacement Disunity among the

community

Separation between the

North and South Promote unity among the

people in the South Training in conflict and

security issues GoSS should get rid of

Petrol Dar company

Police posts Lack of funds to con-

struct the posts Lack of equipment

like communication

gadgets and vehicles

GoSS UNS Melut County Ad-

ministration Melut community

Constant fear

among the people Increased crimes Lack of enforce-

ment of laws Lack of develop-

ment Constant insecurity

Construction of more

police posts Increase police personnel Equip police with com-

munication gadgets and

vehicles Organize training work-

shops for the police in the

field of conflict manage-

ment, resolution and

transformation

Dispute over

collection of

taxes/revenue

The need to increase

revenue by different

counties No clear demarcation

of the borders Lack of border control Abuse of power

Melut county Maban County Akoka county Renk county

Instability Reduced economic

activity Displacement of

people

Strengthening the laws

that govern tax collection Clear revenue collection

policy Respecting and imple-

menting the CPA

Environmental

pollution

Existence of the Petro-

leum company-Petrol

Dar especially in Gakbeny Mayom Pabuny Nyangeu

Petrol Dar Chinese Canadians Malazianes Indians The community

Loss of lives of ani-

mals Loss of lives of peo-

ple Plants are de-

stroyed women get miscar-

riages Soil pollution Disabilities in

Mayom people lost

body parts after use

of polluted water) Water pollution Diseases e.g. cancer

Compensate the commu-

nity Petrol Dar should put the

social and environmental

aspects into consideration

or else it should be ex-

pelled. Petrol Dar should be sued

in court

14 Ibid, p. 15

38

Conflict issues


Presence of JIU

in town

The barracks of SAF is

in the town

Melut community

- SAF

Loss of lives Stealing Burning of houses

Relocate the JIU army Separation between the

North and South SAF and SPLA should be

in barracks

Cattle raiding The presence of no-

mads in the county Acquisition of wealth

Arab nomads County community

Loss of lives Loss of property Constant fear

among the people

Establish police posts in

the area Disarming the Arab no-

mads

Poor roads Heavy vehicles carry-

ing oil destroy the

roads Petrol Dar has not

constructed roads

according CPA GoSS did not put

roads as priority in

Melut

Petrol Dar UNS Melut county ad-

ministration GoSS

Low economic ac-

tivity Increases accidents Increases insecurity Inaccessibility to

basic services such

as health centres

Government and Petrol

Dar should construct

roads

Presence of pits

dug by road

construction

companies

Companies in need of

soil Companies not cover-

ing the pits

Road Construction

companies Melut community

Diseases Loss of lives of peo-

ple and animals Disabilities

Pits should be covered Compensation of the af-

fected people

Competition

over clean water

by for human

animal con-

sumption

The river is far from

the area Borehole water is

salty due to oil Few vehicles trans-

porting water to vari-

ous places

Melut community Petrol Dar Animals

Fighting/ clashes in

the community Diseases Migration

Provision of enough

clean water to community

and animals

The demand for

compensation

from different

companies e.g.

Petrol company,

road construc-

tion companies

etc.

Loss of land Loss farm fields Diseases caused pollu-

tion

Melut community Petrol Dar com-

pany Government of

Sudan

Conflict between

the community and

Petrol Dar company Destruction of pet-

rol Dar property Loss of lives in

course of clashing

Petrol Dar should ade-

quately compensate the

community

Discrimination

of county

community by

Petrol Dar com-

pany

Marginalization of

people in south Deliberate denial of

the south to develop

Melut community Petrol Dar

Poverty among the

Melut community Fighting between

the community and

Petrol Dar person-

nel Constant dismissal

of employees from

the South

Promote equality among

the people Compensate the affected

people. Respect the rights of the

people

Cont… Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Nasser County

39

Prioritisation of security issues – Nasser


Environmental pollution 1 2 6 1 10 1

Competition for clean, potable water 4 3 2 3 12 2

Decision to demand compensation

from offending companies (petrol,

road construction, etc.)

3 1 3 5 12 3

Mistreatment of county community

by Petrol Dar

3 1 3 5 12 3

Poor roads 2 4 5 2 13 4


Presence of pits dug by road con-

struction companies

5 6 8 8 27 6

Presence of JIU in town 8 5 4 10 27 7

Dispute over collection of taxes/

revenue

10 8 7 6 31 8

Cattle raiding by pastoralists 9 10 10 9 38 9

Community Action Plan – Nasser


Project Action/resources Possible

partners

Start sate Follow up actors

Water

trucks

and tank-

ers

Vehicles Tankers Drivers

UNDP Other

donors GoSS NGOs

July 2010 GoSS UNS County council Community leaders Local steering committee

40

Cont…

5.11. Panyikang County

Panyikang County has a surface area of 5,107 sq km and an estimated population of 45,42715 people.

Panyikang is composed of six payams and 40 bomas .It is dominated by members of the Shilluk

(Chollo) ethnic group which constitutes the majority of the county’s population (95 percent), fol-

lowed by the Nuer (2 percent), and other groups (3 percent). In general, the tribal groups in Panyi-

kang have normal relations and co-exist peacefully, but on the western bank of the county’s primary

river, the Shilluk (Chollo) and the Dinka fight over border and land issues. There are also clashes

between county residents and those from Bentiu in Unity State, primarily over cattle raiding prac-

tices.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions - Panyikang

15 Ibid, p. 15

Conflict issues


Boundary

conflicts

Lack of water and

resources prompt-

ing nomadic be-

havior War Firearms Taxes (local reve-

nue collectors)

Politicians Army generals

Conflicts arise Instability Migration Lack of develop-

ment Poverty

Create a series of confer-

ences for community eld-

ers Clearly demarcate borders Police stations should be

established Establish women’s asso-

ciations

Land disputes Advocacy and

claim disputes Little fertile land Unregistered land Illegal settlements Taxes

Politicians Leadership Shilluk (Chollo) Dinka Nuer

Death Migration Instability Fear Poverty Sickness

Establish conferences and

meetings on the issue Encourage role of police

and local authorities

(chiefs) Clearly demarcate borders

Cattle raiding Wealth Culture Marriage Few laws actually

implemented

Different tribes Arab animal

keepers

(nomads)

Death Instability Poverty

Employ forces to discour-

age raiding Create conferences be-

tween counties to address

the issue Government intervention Formulate laws concern-

ing land issues Disarmament

Tribal conflicts Politics Illiteracy Presence of fire-

arms Land Few applicable

laws

Politicians Power abuse Culture

Death War Poverty Instability

Community leaders Formulate appropriate

laws Education Development projects

Presence of

firearms

Tribal conflicts Guns imported

from outside the

county

Different tribes Behaviour of

Arab nomads Militias Nuer from Ben-

tiu and Jonglei

State

Death Anarchy Tribal conflicts Insecurity Border disputes

Disarmament

41

Conflict issues


Violence

against women

Polygamy Social norms Forced marriage Economic reasons Alcoholism

Men Women

Rape Poor health Psychological

torture Divorce Financial insta-

bility Social isolation Domestic vio-

lence Early marriage

Form women’s associations Encourage female education –

children and adults Disarmament Encourage control in alcohol

consumption Peace and reconciliation Preserve cultures and traditions

of the Shilluk Sensitize community to issues

surrounding violence against

women

Alcohol abuse Unemployment Poverty Illiteracy Imported alcoholic

beverages

Men Youth Women

Poor health of

men, youth and

women Breakdown of

social and family

dynamics Loss of social

status Death Violence

Create employment opportuni-

ties Educate community on the

dangers of alcohol Formulate laws regulating alco-

hol use

Unemployment Limited business op-

portunities Few employment op-

portunities in govern-

ment and NGOs The majority of the

population was edu-

cated in Arabic - mak-

ing their qualifications

irrelevant Fishing and cattle rais-

ing has become dan-

gerous Idleness

Men Youth

Unemployment Emergence of the

water pipe Theft Cattle raiding Possession of

firearms Alcoholism

Provide job opportunities Build vocational training cen-

tres to teach necessary skills Agricultural projects Provide loans Politicians should not exploit

youth for their own gain

Street children Few government-

created job opportuni-

ties Urbanization Poor quality of orphan-

age life Lack of parental re-

sponsibility Children not ade-

quately provided for

by parents

Orphans Children Alcoholics Children ‘Niggas’ Youth The unem-

ployed Women

Government should create jobs

for the unemployed Create reputable orphanages Develop counties and payams

economically and socially Create agricultural schemes to

encourage employment Build vocational centres for

women and youth Build schools in each of the

payams

Presence of

landmines

War SAF Farmers

De-mine

Competition over

water

Scarcity of water in

farming areas

Restricted move-

ment Difficult to effec-

tively use land Poor crop yields

Dig boreholes to assist farmers

in better irrigation

Cont… Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions - Panyikang County

42

Prioritisation of security issues – Panyikang


Border disputes 1 2 2 1 6 1

Presence of firearms 2 1 1 4 8 2

Tribalism 3 3 4 2 12 3



Competition for water 9 7 6 5 27 6


Drunkenness 7 6 8 8 29 8

Violence against

women

8 4 9 9 30 9

Community Action Plan - Panyikang


Project Action/resources Possible partners Start

date

Follow up actors

Food secu-

rity project

Agricultural tools (tractor, seeds,

pesticide) Community mobilization Dig boreholes in each of the

county’s six payams Grinding mills (appropriate ma-

chinery) Land

Community lead-

ers Community GoSS State County UNDP NGOs

June

2010

Community Local steering

committee UNDP Government

Build six

police posts

Community and law enforcement

mobilization Land Building materials

Security commit-

tee Chiefs/elders Community Government UNDP

June

2010



Clear Lol

River

Movement of ferry boats, cranes

and labor

Government Financial stake-

holders UNDP Community

June

2010



43

Cont...

5.12. Renk County

Renk County has a total surface area of 10,031 sq km and an estimated population of 137,751.16 The

city of Renk is the largest and most populated in the county. It is bordered by Jodah City to the

north, Maban County to the east, Melut County to the south and Manyo County and the White Nile

to the west. The state is composed of four payams and the majority of its inhabitants are members of

the Dinka ethnic group (5 percent), the Chollo (20 percent), the Nuer (15 percent) and other groups

(15 percent). The area’s most lucrative economic activities include fishing, agriculture, charcoal

burning, gum Arabic production and livestock raising.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Renk

16 Ibid, p. 15

Conflict

issues


Border/land

disputes

Need for arable land

Conflicts over land

ownership

Government of Sudan

needs to create a buffer

zone between north and

south by forcefully giv-

ing the border land to its

supporters from north

Little representation of

Renk County residents

on the border commis-

sion

Government of

Sudan

Egyptians

Renk County

community

members

Food security

Social/ psycho-

logical unrest

Low economic

activity

Displacement

Disregard of

CPA commit-

ments

GoSS and a border com-

mission should demarcate

the border according to

CPA

Create and strengthen a

new border commission

Educate community on

issues surrounding the

CPA and its proper imple-

mentation

Elect members of the Renk

County community for the

border commission.

Inadequate

police posts

Insufficient funds to

construct posts

No communication

equipment or vehicles

for police use

GoSS

UNS

Renk County

administration

Renk County

community

Increased crimes

Constant fear

Insecurity

Little enforce-

ment of laws

Little progress

made in devel-

opment

Construct more police

posts

Increase the number of

police

Provide the police with

communication equipment

and vehicles

Organize training work-

shops for police in conflict

management, resolution

and transformation

Taxes and

revenue

collection

disputes

Lack of border control

Need to increase the

revenue of different

counties

Abuse of power

Renk county,

Blue Nile State

and White Nile

State

Traders

Government of

Sudan

GoSS

UNS

Reduced eco-

nomic activity

Instability

Internal dis-

placement

Clear revenue collection

policy

Strengthen laws governing

tax collection

Respect and implement the

CPA

44

Conflict issues


Land

mines

Wars in Sudan

SAF SPLA Renk County

community

Deaths of civil-

ians Disabilities,

especially

physical

trauma Displacement

De-mine affected areas

Land

disputes

Northern Sudanese

residents encroaching

on Southern Suda-

nese territory Armed nomads

Renk County

community Northern no-

mads Government of

Sudan

Loss of lives Food security Internal dis-

placement Lack of devel-

opment

Disarm nomads Demarcate land for

grazing and cultivation Establish police posts in

affected, conflict-prone

areas

Crime Presence of the army/

SPLA in town Drunkenness Unemployed former

service men and

youth

SPLA Youth Former ser-

vice men Community

Death Loss of prop-

erty Constant fear Rape of

women Trauma

Establish police posts Remove the army from

within the town Frequent police night

patrols

Poor roads

and com-

munication

Heavy vehicles carry-

ing oil which destroy

the roads GoSS has not con-

structed roads GoSS did not estab-

lish new roads as a

priority for Renk

County

GoSS UNS Renk County

administra-

tion

Low economic

activity Increased acci-

dents Increased inse-

curity Inaccessibility

of basic ser-

vices, such as

health centres

Local government,

GoSS, and UNS should

construct roads

Presence of

electric and

petrol lines

in the area

– not for

local use

GoSS has not com-

pensated the commu-

nity

Government of

Sudan Petrol Dar Community National Elec-

tricity Corpo-

ration

Diseases Pollution, es-

pecially in soil

Compensate the com-

munity for damages and

use of land

Disputes

over

islands

located

between

Renk and

Manyo

Counties

Valuable grazing

land Fishing areas Arable land for culti-

vation especially

vegetables

Renk County

community Manyo

County com-

munity

Loss of lives Poor relations

between the

communities

of Renk and

Manyo Coun-

ties Little produc-

tive economic

activity

GoSS should clearly de-

marcate the two coun-

ties’ borders Strengthen law and or-

der

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Renk County

45

Prioritisation of security issues – Renk

Security issue Women Youth Elders/

admin

Security Total Rank 1-Highest 11-Lowest


Inadequate police posts, no communi-

cation equipment or vehicles

4 2 2 2 10 2

Tribal clashes between Arab palatas

and the county residents regarding

arable land

2 3 9 5 19 3

Poor media network 5 5 7 4 21 4

Tax and revenue collection disputes 3 7 6 6 22 5

Crime 11 4 3 7 25 6

Poor roads 6 10 8 3 27 7

Dispute over islands located between

Renk and Manyo counties (potential

issue for escalation of pre-existing

community tensions)

7 8 5 10 30 8

Land mines 8 11 4 9 32 9

Presence of petrol lines passing un-

derneath farm land - the community is

requesting compensation

9 6 10 8 33 10

Presence of electric lines that passing

over farm land – the community is

requesting compensation

10 9 11 11 41 11

Community Action Plan – Renk

PROBLEM 1: Security

Project Action/Resources Possible

partners

Start ate Follow up actors

Construction of

police posts in

Kumbhuer,

Tibin, Gongbar,

Smara, Dung-

kern and Latham

payams

Land Building materials:

bricks, sand, roofing ma-

terials, cement, metal

bars, equipment and

tools Labour Basic furniture and

equipment

Local govern-

ment Community UNDP Other donors

July 2010 Community leaders County council GoSS Local steering com-

mittee UNS

Provide police

with communi-

cation tools, nec-

essary equip-

ment and vehi-

cles

Communication equip-

ment Vehicles

UNPD GoSS Other donors NGOs

July 2010 GoSS

46

5.13. Ulang County

Ulang County has an estimated population of 85,044 and a surface area of 4,773 sq km.17 It is bor-

dered by Bailet County to the north and Nasser County to the east, as well as Jonglei State’s Akobo

and Nuirol Counties to the south and west, and Ethiopia to the south. The county has a number of

natural water sources, including the Sobat River which runs east to west throughout the region and

the Nile which lies further north. It is composed of eight payams: Kurmut, Barmach (Gonyar),

Duma, Nyangora, Ulang (Joka), Yomding, Kierchot, Makak.

Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions – Ulang

17 Ibid, p. 16.

Conflict issues


Insecurity / cattle

raiding

Presence of armed robbers House burnings Violence against women Prevalence of firearms Tribal clashes which often end in

death Incidence of psychological prob-

lems Hunger Little security Pursuit of wealth Little desire for development in

community

Youth from

Akobo and

Jikany

payams Elders

Loss of lives Fear Distrust Malnutrition Limited move-

ment

Deploy army to patrol cattle

raiding routes Disarmament Provide transport and com-

munication equipment to

army and police Deploy police units to ensure

security Establish a peace initiative

within the community

Land mines

and small

arms and

light weap-

ons (SALW)

Death Theft/crime Internal displacement Tribal clashes Destruction of personal property No security or development During attempted DDR, many

simply hid their arms Some communities have not

been officially disarmed Politicians of the Jonglei State

are to blame for the flow of

weapons into the county Chiefs must be blamed for not

attempting to control the issue

Luo (Akobo) Youth (Luo

and Jikany) SPLA / SAF in

Nyayin, Lony

and Ying bo-

mas

Food insecurity Disable people No free move-

ments Fear Loss of life

Provide machinery to disarm De-mine Begin a total disarmament Soldiers should stop supply-

ing arms to civilians Community initiatives

should be established to re-

port civilians with arms to

authorities

Land

disputes

Displacement of resources Zones created by SPLA Poverty (hunger) Presence of firearms Death Little education

Jonglei State Lou Nuer Politicians Akobo Armed groups Some SPLA

support

Fighting Death Hunger Displacement Distrust

Government, UNS and the

Jonglei State should solve

problems and encourage

peace Commissioner should in-

volve all tribes in the peace

process Joint reports and documenta-

tion GoSS should clearly demar-

cate borders Governors and police should

work as one unit

Cont...

47

Conflict issues


Unemploy-

ment, street

children

Fallout from conflicts between

Luo and Jikany Insecurity Displacement, leading to no food

production Increasing cooperation between

criminal groups Bad roads limit trading Widespread disappointment due

to lack of support Hunger Armed groups committing

crimes Drunkenness, fighting, depres-

sion, divorce Street children

Lou Nuer Gajak

Low income Hunger Malnutrition Cattle raiding Raping Prostitution Drunkards

Disarmament Loans to local traders State government, GoSS and

NGOS should create job op-

portunities for residents of

both the Jonglei State and the

Upper Nile State Build a school for children

Violence

against

women

Irresponsible men unable to pro-

vide for their families Unemployed women Male misconceptions regarding

female responsibilities Depression Alcoholism No start-up business capital Domestic conflicts No basic infrastructure: hospital,

school, government institutions The Akobo routinely take

neighboring lands Fear of violence Routine ambushing of workers Cattle raiding Little respect for women in tradi-

tional structures Choose mates based on wealth

Men Women

Forced /early

marriages Divorce Frequent fight-

ing Polygamy Trauma

Control the sale of alcohol State, GoSS and NGOs

should create job opportuni-

ties for unemployed commu-

nity members

No law

enforce-

ment

No police headquarters or prison Community only able to access

traditional courts and SPLA re-

fuses to respect judgment from

such structures No cooperation between police

and community elders – chiefs

not paid for their work, not re-

spected by law enforcement offi-

cials Corruption in law enforcement

and prisons Excessive use of force by army

and law enforcement officials

Prison Police Chiefs SPLA State and local

authority

Fear Violence Injustice Human rights

abuse Corruption Power abuse

Supply community with an

official judge and lawyers,

train chiefs to serve as offi-

cial delegates in law enforce-

ment Deploy additional police

forces Construct a concrete prison Government should address

the issue of cattle raiding Disarmament must be un-

dertaken in all communities Cooperation between tradi-

tional authorities and official

government should be en-

couraged

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions– Ulang County

Cont...

48

Conflict issues


Competi-

tion for

water

Conflicts regarding ownership of

river bank, water, and pastures

for grazing Intensity of conflicts varies by

season No water distribution network Conflicts especially common

between women Displacement Death

Lou Nuer Jikany Nuer State and local

authority

Seasonal migra-

tion Fights Loss of life Cattle raiding Diseases Displacement

Government should control

water use and distribution A canal should be built to

supply Lou Nuer with water Dig boreholes near commu-

nity for easier access

Famine and

food secu-

rity

Fear of Lou Nuer attack Unemployment Post-conflict destruction has

increased internal displacement Diseases Plant pests Lack of resources Few arable fields and poor agri-

cultural skills Little industry No peace, stability Death

Punishment

from God Drought War Armed groups Robbery State and local

authority

High

food prices Malnutrition Poor health Death Theft Abuse of poor Migration

Government should increase

the deployment of police

officers Training in modern agricul-

tural methods and tools

should be provided by gov-

ernment Government should con-

struct a canal Encourage industry through

outside investment Officially separate Northern

and Southern Sudan Encourage security and sta-

bility

Cont...Conflict Analysis / Community Perceptions– Ulang County

49

Prioritisation of security issues – Ulang

Security issue Women Youth Elders Authority Total Rank

1-Highest

12-Lowest

Health problems 3 2 3 7 15 1


Presence of firearms and

mines

9 1 1 9 20 3

Education 12 3 2 6 23 4

No mobile network 11 5 5 2 23 5



Competition for water 6 8 8 5 27 8

Hunger 2 11 4 12 29 9

No law enforcement 7 10 9 8 34 10

Violence against women 1 12 11 10 34 11

Early or forced

marriage

4 9 12 11 36 12

Community Action Plan – Ulang



Build police posts Engineers

Identify site

Construction materials: sand,

roof, sheets, gravel, cement,

wood, bricks and timber

Government

NGOs

Community

Women

Youth

15 June 2010 County commissioner

Community leaders

UNDP

State

GoSS

Land and border

demarcation (roads

and bridges)

Engineers and surveyors

Sign posts

Security to protect process

Government

UNDP

NGOs

Community


Community leaders

UNDP

State

GoSS

UNMIS

Education Building materials

Human resources (teachers)

Land

Government

NGOs

UN

Community


Community

State

Ministry of Education

UNDP

Health Facilities Building materials

Medical equipment

Visiting doctors and nurses

Government

NGOs

UN

Community


Community

Government

Ministry of Health

UNDP

50

6. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Although violence is undoubtedly a pervasive and destructive force, it is merely a symptom of

the area’s true underlying instability issues. Instead, the majority of the region’s insecurity stems

from its lack of natural resources – the violence being merely a manifestation of the constant bat-

tle for said resources. All of the interviewed community members understood this situation

clearly and aimed their suggested development projects appropriately: choosing to address the

root cause of instability. Generally, the security problems from county to county are quite simi-

lar and interrelated in both cause and methodology. However, despite the number of similari-

ties, there are also a few features which are unique and localized in nature and justify a program

of context-based and individualized conflict-sensitive projects for the benefit of the state’s coun-

ties and payams. For example, the counties that border Sudan and Jonglei State tend to require

police reinforcement-oriented projects.

The influence of the Government is almost non-existent in many parts of Upper Nile due to lo-

gistical shortcomings. It has not yet reached out to the majority of the area’s counties, payams

and bomas. During the interview and consultation process, a number of county authorities ex-

pressed discontent from their state government. At the county level, the South Sudan Police Ser-

vice (SSPS) remains unfunded, under-equipped and under-manned and with very limited ca-

pacity to provide basic services.

There are a number of oil fields in this state, making it a potential conflict zone.

Traditional leadership is valued across all of the major communities in Upper Nile . Unlike the

Government, their active participation in community stabilization and local conflict mitigation is

seen as central to sustainable community stability. However, in eastern Upper Nile the general

disquiet related to insufficient fertile land and water, which has led to a questioning of tradi-

tional ways of life, particularly amongst the youth who would prefer to explore more modern

lifestyles and approaches to agriculture. Although such explorations could potentially become

positive steps for these communities, their geographical remoteness makes them difficult to

achieve.

The underemployment and subsequent disenfranchisement of the state’s youth is a major con-

cern for stability. Without incomes or the means of creating private enterprise, there is little hope

for their livelihoods and potential for productively contributing to society in the short/medium

term. In the consultations, it became clear that many were frustrated and unrealistically expected

the referendum and possible secession to solve their problems almost immediately. A pro-

gramme of public awareness should be conducted to adjust expectation and provide a basis for

preparation in the communities.

More information is needed on the reported youth groups referred to by community members

as ‘Niggas,’ which were seen as a serious threat to local residents and the larger stability of the

state. Their reported activities dramatically reveal the insufficient capabilities of the local police

forces and challenge traditional methods of conflict mitigation.

Pollution of water sources from oil was a significant issue in Melut County (block 3/7) and re-

quires immediate intervention. These communities have been expected to bear an unfair burden

and their livelihoods have been both threatened and degraded while oil revenue and its benefits

are diverted to other communities.

51

During the consultations, participating communities uniformly expressed that this was the first

time they felt that their opinions had been included in governmental decision-making process.

They were very positive about the nature and methodology of the consultations, particularly the

consultations’ female participants, who were mostly well-represented. They were open, honest

and communities had a general willingness to discuss issues affecting women.

Throughout the consultation, participants doubted that any concrete action would be taken on

their suggested reform programmes. Although many community members were thrilled to be

included in the discussion of positive steps to address local security concerns, they also had

trepidations about whether or not any of those suggestions would actually be implemented.

Constant engagement with the communities and the timely completion of identified projects

would partially address this concern. For maximum efficacy, Government stakeholders should

also be checked to ensure they do not only value the information-gathering aspect of the process,

but also deliver on the ground.

Five years into the CPA, the security and conflict situation in the state still remains very fluid

and potentially volatile. It has historically existed as an entity of both Sudan and South Sudan, a

fact which has affected both the psychology and expectations of its inhabitants. The adjustment

between the two has not been easy, particularly on the dynamics of referendum and the citizen’s

need for reassurance that their concerns can be addressed under the leadership of the new Gov-

ernment. Any positive action in this area must begin by addressing security issues (and their

underlying causes), as well as provide access to rule of law. This is undoubtedly the most effi-

cient way to begin a course of progressive and effective development programming.

52

7. NEXT STEPS

Across Upper Nile State, communities proposed conflict-sensitive projects that will address insecu-

rity in their respective counties.

Jonglei

Renk

Melut

Fashoda

Makal Panyikang Bailet

Longochuk

Nasser

Maban

Ulang Maiwut

Manyo

Akoka

Ethiopia

Southern Kordofan Blue Nile

Sennar White Nile

Schools Vocational training centres Roads Health centres

Agriculture project Food security project State capital

Boreholes Water catchments Water pipe extension Water truck vehicles and tankers

Police posts Communications equipment and vehicles Army deployment/barracks Dialogues on border demarcation

53

Annex 1 – Summary of Proposed Conflict-Sensitive Projects in Upper Nile

County Nature of project Rationale/comments

Akoka Construct boreholes

Construct health centres

Akoka is a new county and is underdeveloped, which ex-plains the highly prioritized issues of borehole construction

and health centres.

Bailet Deploy police and army along strategic border areas, create police post

Agricultural tools, manpower, engineers, tools fencing and barbed wire, and water pumps

This county borders Makal and Fashoda Counties to the west, Manyo and Melut to the north, Maban, Longochuk

and Nasser Counties to the east, Ulang County to the south and Nyirol County in Jonglei State to the south. Due to the

large number of contested borders, its residents clearly ex-pressed the need to deal with external threats before other

development projects.

Fashoda Construct four police posts on the eastern bank of the river

Establish an agricultural scheme and fishing project

Construct nine water stations in the following locations: Akuc, Dobe,

Olam, Padekur, Abynay, Atar, Kalagany, Pabo and Oriny

Fashoda is one of the oldest counties. It is underdeveloped

and has no reliable source of revenue. The construction of

police posts was prioritized because the county’s major issue is the prevalence of land/border disputes with their

neighbors.

Longochuk Create water sources such as boreholes and catchments in each of the

county’s seven payams; Jangok, Pamach, Dajo, Mathiang, Malual, Guelguk and Udier

Construction of roads from Malut to Maiwut Counties, Mathiang and

to every payam

Establish an agricultural scheme using advanced farming tools

The majority of conflicts occur during the dry season. It is hoped that if boreholes and water catchments are provided,

conflict between communities will decrease.

Maban Establish an agricultural scheme using advanced farming tools in Jin-

mada and Bugaya

Construct boreholes and water catchments in each of the county’s five

payams

Construct boarding schools in each of the county’s five payams

Dialogue meeting among conflicting counties (to take place in Malakal) and establish border demarcation committees

Socioeconomic factors, and livelihood considerations domi-nated in this county.

Maiwut Construct vocational training centres in each payam

Construct roads from Mathiang Fagak to Maiwut County and extend-ing to all payams

Construct water catchments for animals - two in each payam

Construct boreholes and create a distribution network in each payam

Job creation for the youth and the poor, as well as infrastruc-tural development dominated discussion in this county.

Makal Construct army barracks out of town

Small army disarmament

Demarcate borders/land

Agricultural project

Vocational training center

Extend water pipes

Persistent harassment of civilians by the military and inci-dence of armed robberies concerned most residents of this

county.

Manyo Establish fifteen water stations (water pumps, boreholes and reser-

voirs)

Build 10 police posts

Agricultural scheme

Fire lines or roads for cattle

Socioeconomic factors and livelihood considerations domi-nated in this county.

Melut Water truck vehicles and tankers Lack of water is severe; reaching water tables is also difficult during the construction of boreholes.

Nasser Food security projects

School construction

Clear border/land demarcation

Establish industries, vocational training and schools

Provide meals for children


Panyikang

Food security projects

Build six police posts

Clearing of Lol River


Renk Construct police posts in: Kumchuer, Tibin, Gongbar, Samara, Dung-

kem and Latham payams

Equip police with communication tools and vehicles

Insecurity is a major concern and the reason why police posts were requested.

Ulang Construct police posts

Demarcate land and borders

Construct schools

Construct health centres

Insecurity resulting from land/border disputes and poor infrastructural facilities explains their prioritized issues.

54

South Sudan Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control Hai Kuwai, Bilpam, Juba, South Sudan

http://www.goss-online.org

South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission http://www.goss-online.org

United Nations Development Programme UNDP Compound, Ministries Road, PO Box 410, Juba, South Sudan

Phone/+211 811 820 146 E-mail: [email protected] http://ss.undp.org

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of the Netherlands

European Union Compound Juba, South Sudan

http://www.minbuza.nl http://eeas.europa.eu

mailto:[email protected]

community consultation eport upper nile state · community consultation report upper nile state...

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