Youth-led Peacebuilding in Abyei- Joseph’s Story

In the heart of Abyei, where conflict has deeply scarred the land and its people, Joseph has emerged as a vital force for peace within our Concordis team. Since joining us in November 2023, Joseph’s dedication and passion have been instrumental in fostering reconciliation and understanding among the Ngok Dinka, Twic, and Nuer communities.

Joseph first connected with Concordis during his time as the civil society chairperson of Twic Ngok, a period marked by intense communal violence over land disputes. Concordis was the first organisation to step in and engage with the communities, an effort that deeply resonated with Joseph. He recognised that Concordis’s approach—working directly with local leaders, youth, and women—was the path to lasting peace.

"After I learnt about Concordis, and considering the work I was doing in the community, I felt like Concordis is the best place where I can show my efforts," Joseph shared. "Despite having limited resources, I didn’t give up. Along with the team in Abyei, we tried holding many meetings—not only between Abyei and Twic but also with the neighbouring communities like the Nuer, who were part of the conflict."

Joseph’s understanding of the critical role spiritual leaders play in these tensions led him to engage them in meaningful consultations, laying the groundwork for a unified peace. "We realised that spiritual leaders hold a lot of impact in the conflict," Joseph explained. "So, we took the initiative to do consultation meetings with spiritual leaders, chiefs, youth, and administrators at the local level."

Joseph’s work is deeply rooted in community engagement, a facet of his role that he finds most fulfilling. "The work that excites me the most is to teach," Joseph shared. "We empower local leaders—youth leaders, women leaders, and chiefs—to recognise their roles in fostering peace and justice."

However, the road has not been without obstacles. Resource constraints have often posed significant challenges, from the lack of basic refreshments for meeting participants to transportation issues that make reaching remote areas difficult. Joseph’s resourcefulness and determination shine through as he finds innovative solutions. "Once, we needed a vehicle for a trip to Unity State but had no funds. We partnered with another organisation, pooled our resources, and rented a car," Joseph recalled. 

The challenges Joseph faces while working with youth are multifaceted. Many youths suffer from trauma, poverty, political interference, and lack of education. "A young person who always has a gun, their thinking is different. Fighting is their only solution," Joseph explains. Addressing these issues requires providing psychosocial support and alternative paths like agriculture and business activities.

One of the most impactful aspects of Joseph’s work is his engagement with youth - the Concordis team has made significant strides in reducing youth involvement in conflict. Through training, they have empowered young people to make informed decisions, often using community radio to reach a broader audience. "We encourage young people to go to the radio and talk – helping their trauma healing," Joseph adds.

Joseph’s efforts in training youth leaders have transformed many from armed combatants into community action leaders. "This year, we trained 26 youth leaders across six biams of Twic. We ensure that armed youths are also part of this," Joseph said. "We don’t leave them just like that; we train them to be community action leaders, examples for others to follow."

The challenges faced by youth, including trauma, poverty, political interference, and lack of education, are significant. "Most of them have trauma and need psychosocial support," Joseph explained. "They often come from homes where there is no food or cattle, leading to conflicts like cattle raiding. We address these issues by empowering the community through education, training, and finding activities that help them generate income."

Joseph's role extends beyond his immediate duties, as he emphasises the importance of partnerships with organisations like IOM, UNMISS, and UNISFA. These collaborations are crucial during seasonal migrations and other sensitive periods.

Joseph’s insights and actions have gone beyond his assigned responsibilities. His intimate understanding of the local context allows him to address the root causes of conflict effectively. "We on the ground understand better," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge in peacebuilding. This deep understanding enables the team to address the root causes of conflict effectively. "We speak the same language and understand how they feel, which encourages us to take roles beyond what we are assigned by Concordis," he concludes.

Through Joseph’s dedication and the collective efforts of our team, we continue to build bridges of peace in Abyei. His story is a powerful testament to the importance of local leadership in fostering resilience and hope in a region striving for stability.