Increasing Violence in Jonglei StateApril 2009

"Two weeks ago, I attended a meeting with Sudan Oil and Human Security Initiative (SOHSI), government officials and representatives of Total to discuss the concerns that oil may have on conflict in the state. During that meeting it was clear that Jonglei State is experiencing increased tensions. It is believed by many that the referendum will highlight the tribal divisions in the south and already there is a worrying increase in violence and a concerning shifting pattern in cattle raiding. The main concerns now are to:

1. Disarm tribes in a more effective and evenly spread way than previous efforts
a. Previous efforts tried to disarm one county at a time leaving it vulnerable to its neighbours
b. Chiefs were selected to lead the disarmament but lack of local knowledge often led to choosing Chiefs that were not respected
c. More successful attempts at voluntary disarmament have been trialed and need to be supported more intensely
d. Other initiatives to improve human security without actual disarmament are available and may be more realistic in some cases
2. Encourage trade between the different tribes and provide youth with employment
a. I think this has been tried with some success by USAID Youth Community Programme which created joint tribal committees and cross territory trade
3. Raise awareness of the referendum and what it means at a community level
a. Use existing early warning posts and community level training to maintain a permanent positive dialogue about the referendum
b. Use radio broadcasts to raise awareness and keep the message alive
4. Improve policing of state borders
a. Use MPs to work with the police and tighten control of the borders
5. Try to prevent spoiling influences from the north
a. Using local networks, identify those who are susceptible to the north and work with them to engage in a more positive way

Tom Gillhespy
Head of International programmes
Peace Direct"