Communicating for peace: A social and behaviour change communication initiative in South Sudan

Authors: IGAD

Date: 2019

Although cattle raiding is deeply rooted in South Sudan’s history, it has intensified as a result of the economic and political insecurity caused by the 2013 political crisis. The intensity has also increased due to the uncontrolled availability of guns to civilians, triggering cycles of revenge killings. Disputes over migration patterns and access to water are another source of tension between pastoralist and farming communities. This has divided the communities in South Sudan along tribal lines. Search for Common Ground (SFCG) partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and carried out a social and behavioural change communication initiative to promote social cohesion and peaceful resolution of the conflict between South Sudanese individuals and communities. This to be achieved through strategic communication and dialogue. Therefore, this intervention was to address the challenges of social cohesion among individuals and communities in South Sudan.