At least 60 people, including government officials and civil society representatives, attended a three-day peacebuilding workshop at the IDP camp in Bentiu, the capital of Unity state.
The training, organized by local NGO Active Citizens South Sudan in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in promoting peaceful coexistence. It focused on nonviolent conflict resolution and empowering youth to advocate for their rights.
Gai Makiew, program manager for Active Citizens South Sudan, said the event provided a platform for young people to discuss challenges and seek solutions.
“The training targeted youth because they make up 72% of South Sudan’s population but are often marginalized,” Makiew said. “Without support structures, they frequently resort to conflict.”
Participant Majer Geng Diet said he joined the workshop to share conflict-resolution strategies with his community.
Another attendee, Nyamal Ghan, said she learned better communication skills to resolve disputes peacefully.
“The role of youth is to ensure peaceful coexistence,” Ghan said.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to reduce violence and foster dialogue in the region.