Fri Mar 21 10:12:13 UTC 2025: ## South Sudan’s Youth Lead the Charge for Peace Amidst Persistent Challenges

**Malakal, South Sudan** – Despite a history marred by conflict and ongoing instability, a wave of hope is sweeping through South Sudan, driven by the determination of its young people and local initiatives. While the 2018 revitalised peace agreement marked a significant step, challenges remain, particularly localized violence stemming from poverty, displacement, and resource scarcity.

Young leaders like Lunia Okuch, a youth peace ambassador in Malakal, are actively working to bridge divides and foster understanding. Okuch, whose generation grew up amidst conflict, emphasizes the need to move past the past and build a peaceful future. This sentiment is echoed by many young people striving to overcome the difficult circumstances that have fueled gang violence.

Akol, a 22-year-old former gang member, highlights the lack of opportunities as a root cause of youth involvement in violence. He explains that the gangs, comprised of diverse ethnic groups, are united by shared struggles of poverty and displacement, fighting for survival rather than tribal affiliation.

The burden of rebuilding extends beyond the youth. Women like Nyawar Monykuany, a women’s representative, are playing crucial leadership roles in uniting fractured communities through dialogue and mediation. Economic recovery is also vital, with vocational training programs, such as the one that enabled builder Joel John to rebuild his life after displacement, offering a pathway to stability.

However, challenges persist. Ethnic divisions, land disputes, and resource scarcity continue to fuel conflict, especially in areas affected by floods and displacement. Organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are supporting local peacebuilding efforts.

Ultimately, the path to lasting peace in South Sudan relies on the incremental, determined efforts of its people, with its youth and local leaders at the forefront of this ongoing struggle for a brighter future.

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