Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
South Sudan: Peace Work
South Sudan: Peace Work and Trauma Recovery
South Sudan is the youngest country in the world. Its road to independence has been associated with unimaginable suffering. Even now, many people are still deeply traumatised by war and violence. Together with mission 21, the Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ) is committed to peace and reconciliation.
South Sudan broke away from Sudan in 2011. This was preceded by a decade of civil war, with severe human rights violations, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and over two million people displaced. However, even after the declaration of independence, violence continues to flare up within the country. Only in September 2018 did the opposing ethnic groups agree on a peace treaty. To this day, implementing this treaty poses big challenges for all involved.
Peace work and trauma recovery
Together with their local partners, the BMDZ and mission are campaigning to bring peace and reconciliation to South Sudan. Mediators, trained to work with traumatised people, play an important role here. Thanks to their knowledge of psychology and peaceful communication, they are able to help those affected to overcome experiences of violence and traumas. This assistance is available to all South Sudanese, regardless of their ethnical and religious background.
South Sudan
13.34 million inhabitants, of which 7 million are under 19 years of age
Empowering women, children and young people
Experiences in other countries have shown that women are often the driving force behind successful peace processes. So far, women in the male-dominated country of South Sudan have had hardly any voice. Special training programmes have been developed to systematically involve women in peace work. Pastoral offerings have also been established for children and young people: more than 60 percent of the South Sudanese population are under the age of 24. They are particularly badly affected by violent conflicts.
Project goals
The project carries out peace and reconciliation work. It also offers psychological support for traumatised individuals. The offerings are aimed at all of the country’s ethnic and religious groups, as well as people from different social classes. Particular focus is placed on women and young people.
Project work
At the heart of the project work is the training of mediators, who inform the population of strategies for peaceful conflict resolution, reconciliation and trauma recovery. Special courses are offered to women and young people. South Sudan’s large diaspora is also included in the peace process.
Project partner
The Presbyterian Church of South Sudan (PCOSS) has its origins in the commitment of American missionaries at the start of the 20th century. It is a member of the South Sudanese Council of Churches (SSCC), which, with its seven big member churches and inter-church committees, is able to reach people all over the country.
Donation Account
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