Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 the state of Jonglei in South Sudan has experienced widespread local violence and insecurity. This violence is often described as “tribal” or as an escalation of “traditional” cattle raiding practises through the proliferation of modern arms. A generation of “youth in crisis” is perceived to be at the heart of the problem. Studies conducted by the Peace Research Institute Oslo challenge these perceptions.
- Rather than a result of ancient cultural practices resistant to change, violence in Jonglei may be seen as a response to the dynamic political and socio-economic post-war environment.
- Violence in Jonglei is closely linked to the prevailing security vacuum in rural areas. The participation of “youth” in violence must be understood as a consequence not only of their social role and responsibilities as protectors of the community, but also of the political economy of civil war and large-scale violence. As long as the state cannot adequately provide security and rule of law, youth in Jonglei will continue to arm themselves.
- The civil war and subsequent violence has contributed towards expanding the very definition of youth. Currently perceptions of “youth” in Jonglei encompass most able bodied boys and men.
- There is no “youth rebellion” in Jonglei. Despite increased independence of “youth” vis-à-vis older generations, insecurity and inter-communal violence in Jonglei state have also promoted social cohesion within local communities. “Youth” are as much victims of violence as they are perpetrators of it.
- Warfare and post-war politics have contributed to reinforce “ethnic” identities and boundaries between local communities. These identities nonetheless remain highly contextual and flexible and may change in response to the dynamic environment, which includes political and economic interests.
These insights imply that instead of promoting quick solutions targeting “youth” as a distinct group, interventions to address local violence in Jonglei need to be multi-faceted and to approach “youth” as an integral part of local communities.
