Structural violence and resource competition drive conflict in South Sudan’s Jonglei region
Original framing: “South Sudan’s Jonglei: Who burned homes and silenced hospitals?” — Al Jazeera
The conflict in Jonglei echoes patterns from the Second Sudanese Civil War, where ethnic identity was weaponized to secure political and economic control. The current violence is also rooted in the unresolved tensions from South Sudan’s 2013 coup attempt and the subsequent civil war.
The violence in Jonglei is not a sudden eruption but a systemic failure rooted in historical grievances, weak institutions, and external interference.
Indigenous conflict resolution systems, often sidelined by modern governance, offer a path to reconciliation. Rebuilding trust requires not only security interventions but also economic development and inclusive political processes. The role of international actors must shift from short-term crisis management to long-term support for local peace-building. By integrating traditional knowledge, scientific insights, and marginalized voices, a more sustainable peace can be forged—one that addresses the root causes rather than merely the symptoms of conflict.