The training, held in Bor and supported by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), brought together diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, youth and women representatives, civil society actors, and government officials. Participants were selected from the county’s five payams: Makuach, Kolnyang, Anyidi, Baidit, and Jalle.
According to Bol Deng Bool, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, the initiative is designed to deepen community understanding of peacebuilding strategies and foster nonviolent responses to conflict—particularly among youth and women, who often find themselves at the center of local disputes.
“The Peace Ambassadors program equips local leaders with the tools to monitor conflict trends, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate interventions,” said Deng. “Each payam is represented by a chief, a youth leader, and a women’s representative, ensuring inclusive participation.”
The newly appointed ambassadors will work closely with INTREPID South Sudan, which will coordinate with relevant state institutions to ensure a unified and effective response to emerging tensions.
The workshop attracted participation from key figures including head chiefs, women and youth leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Peacebuilding, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and members of the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly’s Specialized Committee on Peace.
John Agany, Chairperson of the Peace Committee in the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly, applauded the initiative and urged the ambassadors to take their new roles seriously.
“I want to encourage you, the newly selected Peace Ambassadors. In Jonglei State, people live in fear of conflict,” said Agany.
“There are also emerging threats, including the recent tensions involving the spiritual leader in Makuach, threatening to fight the government. It’s our collective responsibility to bring peace to Jonglei and the rest of South Sudan.”
Participants welcomed the approach as a practical and sustainable model for conflict resolution. Many expressed hope that the grassroots initiative could be replicated across other counties in the state.
“We strongly believe that indigenous solutions can yield more sustainable outcomes in resolving local conflicts than external models,” one participant commented.
INTREPID South Sudan pledged continued support to community-led peacebuilding efforts and announced plans to expand the Peace Ambassador program to other conflict-affected regions.
