In volatile South Sudan, people across the country crave peace and stability more than anything else. In a bid to make that dream a local reality, the Kozi and Mambe communities in Maridi County have established what they call a Protection Peace Committee.

“You are now ambassadors of peace. You should share your new skills and knowledge with your fellow citizens,” Anthony Moudle, a Protection, Transition and Reintegration Officer serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) told the members of the new committee and the 50 people who participated in a workshop conducted by the peacekeeping mission.

The training, held over three days, aimed at raising awareness on protection of civilians and other aspects of the UNMISS mandate among those in attendance, including traditional chiefs, police officers, civil society representatives and religious leaders.

Some sessions were dedicated to identifying and discussing the practical application of different approaches to sharing security-relevant information and the peaceful resolution of conflicts at an early stage, before they risk escalating.

“Learning these skills will no doubt help us tackle challenges quickly, for example the misunderstandings that often arise between farmers and migrating cattle keepers,” said Justin Bidal, himself a grower of crops.

Addressing differences of opinions in an amicable manner is something that local churches have always been recommending, using their significant influence to promote such solutions and the social cohesion they can bring.

“We need peaceful relations and stability, and it is good for everyone to understand that the methods we are proposing are in line with what UNMISS suggests,” commented Phillip Mathew, the Kozy Archdeacon.