From Wounds to Peace: Why Healing Must Lead Disarmament in South Sudan’s Greater Upper Nile
William Sunday Tor
By William Sunday D Tor, Malakal, South Sudan
Tuesday, 01 July 2025 (PW) — When the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed in 2018, hope blossomed among the war-weary people of South Sudan, especially in the Greater Upper Nile region, one of the most affected by years of brutal civil war. Many believed that peace was finally within reach, that wounds would be healed, and that internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees could safely return to their homes.
The failure of the parties to fully implement the agreement, particularly the crucial security arrangements and the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing, has left communities deeply divided and vulnerable. Instead of peace, many areas remain under the control of armed groups, including factions of the SPLA-IO and other militias, while war criminals continue to hold positions of power, obstructing justice and reconciliation.
History offers painful lessons. Forced disarmament campaigns in South Sudan, such as the 2006 operation targeting the Lou Nuer in Jonglei State, were marked by violence and ethnic targeting. These campaigns were poorly planned and lacked security guarantees, resulting in fierce resistance, heavy casualties, and a cycle of re-armament as communities sought to protect themselves.
Disarmament, when imposed without addressing underlying grievances and without community buy-in, becomes a source of insecurity rather than peace. Communities fear being left defenseless against rivals or even state actors who have historically victimized them. This fear fuels mistrust and resistance, making disarmament efforts not only ineffective but also dangerous.
National reconciliation and healing are the foundation upon which sustainable peace and successful disarmament must be built. The social fabric of the Greater Upper Nile has been torn apart by years of conflict, mistrust, and trauma. Only through genuine reconciliation can these wounds begin to heal.
Reconciliation efforts help restore trust between communities, create space for dialogue, and promote accountability for past atrocities. When people feel safe and respected, they are more likely to disarm voluntarily, knowing they will not be left vulnerable. Moreover, a credible reconciliation process can prevent war criminals from continuing to wield power over their victims, paving the way for justice and lasting peace.
The incomplete implementation of the R-ARCSS security provisions, such as the cantonment and unification of forces, has perpetuated instability. Past disarmament efforts were often ethnically biased, uncoordinated, and coercive, which only deepened divisions and violence.
For disarmament to succeed this time, it must be inclusive, coordinated, and accompanied by strong security guarantees. Most importantly, it must be preceded or accompanied by sincere reconciliation and healing processes that address the root causes of conflict.
South Sudan stands at a crossroads. The appointment of new officials tasked with disarmament has sparked debate and concern in the Greater Upper Nile. Without first addressing the deep wounds of war and rebuilding trust, forced disarmament risks reigniting violence and further destabilizing the region.
The path to peace is clear: national reconciliation and healing must come first. Only then can disarmament be effective, enabling displaced people to return home, communities to rebuild, and South Sudan to move toward a future free from the shadow of war.
For lasting peace in the Greater Upper Nile, let us prioritize healing over force, dialogue over division, and justice over impunity.
William Sunday D Tor is media political analyst, Part time University lecturer of Security Studies and International Development, South Sudan and can be reached at: williamtor2011@gmail.com.
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