CEWERU News

On 30^th Sept 2024, SSPRC, with support from UNDP South Sudan, had the honor of hosting a Conflict Early Warning and Early Response forum at their office. The forum brought together our incredible partners, offering an essential platform to exchange updates on the ongoing peacebuilding activities being implemented across the country. It was an opportunity to strengthen our collective efforts, foster learning, and enhance coordination as we work together for a more peaceful future

Peacebuilding Partners during the meeting I Photo-Duku David

Showcasing Peace Committees Across South Sudan

During the forum, SSPRC proudly showcased the establishment and training of peace committees across various regions in South Sudan. These peace committees are key in resolving local disputes, promoting dialogue, and preventing violence before it escalates. We highlighted their locations and shared inspiring examples of their efforts to build peace within their communities.

These committees, supported by UNDP South Sudan, represent the backbone of our grassroots peacebuilding strategy, ensuring that local actors have the tools and knowledge they need to foster stability in their areas.

   Established and trained Peace Committees in South Sudan

Mapped Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) and County Peace Response Mechanisms (CPRMs)

In addition to the peace committees, SSPRC presented an overview of our progress in mapping Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) and establishing (CPRMs). These initiatives are essential for expanding the reach of our peacebuilding efforts, empowering community members to take ownership of peace processes, and ensuring that knowledge is passed on to future generations of peacemakers.

The mapping of TOTs and CPRMs reflects our commitment to sustainable, locally led solutions to conflict prevention and resolution.

    Esteblished and trained CPRM in South Sudan.

  TOTs trained in South Sudan

A Deep Dive into the Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System

One of the highlights of the forum was SSPRC’s detailed presentation of our Conflict Early Warning and Early Response (CEWER) system. This innovative system plays a crucial role in identifying emerging conflicts and sending out alerts in real time, allowing for rapid responses to evolving situations. By using data-driven analysis, the system helps us anticipate conflicts before they occur, providing early interventions that can prevent violence and save lives.

Participants were able to see firsthand how the system works, from generating early alerts to coordinating rapid response efforts on the ground.

Building Strong Partnerships for Peace

The forum was not just about showcasing our achievements—it was a collaborative space where our partners could share their experiences, lessons learned, and challenges in the field of peacebuilding. Among the key attendees were representatives from UNDP, UNMISS, Non-violent Peace Force, FACE, LDO, Cefocss and SSPRC, whose contributions continue to drive impactful peacebuilding initiatives across South Sudan.

We believe that strong partnerships are essential to achieving lasting peace. This forum provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen these partnerships, ensuring that we are aligned in our goals and coordinated in our actions.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our efforts to promote peace and prevent conflict, SSPRC is committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and leadership in peacebuilding. The Conflict Early Warning and Early Response forum was a reminder of the importance of coming together to share knowledge, pool resources, and support one another as we work towards a more peaceful future for South Sudan.

We are incredibly grateful to our partners for their unwavering support and dedication to the cause of peace. Together, we are making strides toward a future where conflicts are anticipated and addressed before they spiral out of control, and where communities can thrive in an environment of stability and harmony.

On 30^th Sept 2024, SSPRC had the honor of participating in a one-day workshop at the Crown Hotel Juba, alongside representatives from government agencies, the National Assembly, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and renowned think tanks. This workshop was held as a part of the broader preparations for the highly anticipated Summit of the Future, which is poised to shape the trajectory of international collaboration in the years to come.

The Director General of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Deng Deng Nhial, Anita Kiki, Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan Resident Coordinator in South Sudan and Civil Society group photo after the opening session of the workshop.

The Summit of the Future presents a crucial opportunity to rethink and strengthen global cooperation, especially considering the emerging challenges and opportunities the world faces today. From addressing climate change to resolving conflicts, enhancing technological development, and promoting sustainable growth, the summit is a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in conversations that can have lasting global impacts.

The Importance of Global Cooperation

The world is increasingly interconnected, and no single country or organization can tackle global challenges in isolation. The Summit of the Future aims to bring together nations, organizations, and industries to pool resources, ideas, and expertise. This will allow us to work more effectively towards achieving common goals such as eradicating poverty, promoting human rights, and ensuring peace and security.

The workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to exchange insights and contribute to the summit’s agenda. Representatives from SSPRC and other stakeholders emphasized the need to rebuild trust in global governance systems, which have, in recent times, been undermined by geopolitical tensions and growing distrust between nations. Rebuilding this trust is key to ensuring that international partnerships are meaningful, effective, and capable of delivering long-term solutions.

Encouraging New Initiatives and Commitments

One of the most exciting aspects of the Summit of the Future is its commitment to driving new initiatives and encouraging commitments from a wide range of stakeholders. Whether it's governments pledging to meet climate targets, the private sector driving innovation, or civil society advocating for inclusive development, the summit provides a unique space for all voices to be heard.

By fostering collaboration between sectors, the summit will pave the way for innovative solutions to global challenges. SSPRC’s participation in the workshop highlights our commitment to being a proactive partner in these initiatives, working towards a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to the Summit of the Future, the importance of international collaboration cannot be overstated. The summit is not just about addressing today’s challenges but also about setting the foundation for a more resilient and cooperative global community.

SSPRC looks forward to continued engagement with all stakeholders in the lead-up to the summit, and we remain optimistic about the opportunities it presents for meaningful change. Global cooperation is essential for a better future, and through initiatives like the Summit of the Future, we are taking steps in the right direction.

The workshop brought together experts from partner states across the region to focus on a crucial shared goal: improving the effectiveness of data systems for more informed decision-making.

6th Sept 2024

Group photo of experts from partner states across the region after the workshop

The South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) on 6^th Sept 2024, participated in a productive 2-day consultative workshop held in Entebbe, Uganda. The workshop brought together experts from partner states across the region to focus on a crucial shared goal: improving the effectiveness of data systems for more informed decision-making.

Key Highlights of the Workshop

During the workshop, participants worked on several critical areas aimed at enhancing data quality and fostering better regional cooperation. These included:

✅ Reviewing and Updating Key Indicators:

Experts thoroughly examined existing indicators, ensuring they are up-to-date and reflective of current challenges and priorities. This review is a necessary step toward improving the relevance and usability of data across multiple sectors.

✅ Scaling and Weighting Indicators for Regional and National Relevance:

To ensure that indicators are meaningful at both the national and regional levels, participants explored ways to scale and weight them. This ensures that data reflects both localized needs and broader regional trends, allowing for more targeted and impactful interventions.

✅ Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

A major outcome of the workshop was the development of SOPs aimed at ensuring quality assurance in the data collection, analysis, and reporting processes. These SOPs will play a pivotal role in harmonizing data practices across the region, ensuring that information is reliable and comparable between states.

A Step Forward in Data-Driven Decision Making

This collaborative effort marks a significant step in improving data systems for the region, and the SSPRC is proud to contribute to such an important initiative. By updating indicators and establishing clear operating procedures, partner states are better equipped to generate reliable, high-quality data. This, in turn, will foster better decision-making processes and more impactful outcomes that benefit all citizens.

A Stronger Foundation for Regional Cooperation

The workshop highlights the power of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. As data becomes an increasingly critical tool in shaping policies and driving development, the need for coordinated efforts between states has never been greater. Through such initiatives, we move closer to a future where data-driven decisions lead to sustainable development and greater regional stability.

SSPRC remains committed to working with regional partners to ensure the continued improvement of data systems and to support policies that drive meaningful change for communities across the region.

Together, we are building stronger foundations for a brighter and more informed future

23^rd July 2024

Peacebuildig partners during the meeting I SSPRC I Duku David

The South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) had the privilege of hosting a crucial partner meeting on 23^rd July 2024 to share insights into their work and highlight the innovative Conflict Early Warning and Early Response (CEWER) System. The meeting was organized in response to a request made during a coordination session with the Ministry of Peace Building, following SSPRC's presentation on the critical importance and impact of early conflict detection and timely intervention.

The gathering brought together esteemed representatives from key organizations, including UNDP South Sudan, IOM South Sudan, Nonviolent Peace Force, UN Resident Coordinators Office, Danish Church Aid, and many others. These partnerships are instrumental in ensuring a collaborative and comprehensive approach to conflict prevention.

At the heart of the discussion was the CEWER System, which is designed to detect early signs of conflict and trigger rapid, effective responses. The system leverages data and on-the-ground intelligence to anticipate potential conflict, enabling stakeholders to take proactive steps before situations escalate. By identifying early warning signs, SSPRC and its partners aim to avert crises, reduce harm, and foster sustainable peace.

We are proud to be part of a collective effort that prioritizes prevention, saving lives, and safeguarding communities. Together with our partners, we are committed to building a future where proactive conflict detection translates into meaningful peacebuilding actions.

As we continue to strengthen our networks and refine our tools, we remain steadfast in our mission: to prevent conflict and promote lasting peace through cooperation and innovation

The Validation plays a crucial role in ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are included in the national review process

24th June 2024

Minister of Finance Eng. Awow Daniel Chuang, UN Representatives, Civil Society, SSPRC and Other government officials pose for a group photo after the opening session of the Validation workshop.                                                                          

Representatives from the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC), including the acting chair Hon. Betty Oboy and Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Unit (CEWERU) Coordinator Mr. Taban Charles, participated in the official validation of the 2024 Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event, held at Crown Hotel Juba, marks a significant step in the country’s commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The VNR process is a critical mechanism that allows countries to track their progress, share experiences, and address challenges related to achieving the SDGs. This year’s validation event was led by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, in partnership with the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS) and support by the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) and UNDP South Sudan.

The workshop plays a crucial role in ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are included in the national review process. By facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue, the event strengthens the country’s approach to sustainable development, making sure no one is left behind. This year’s VNR report will be presented at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York this July, where global leaders will assess progress and discuss strategies to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

The involvement of SSPRC representatives in this critical stage of the VNR process demonstrates the organization’s dedication to supporting national efforts in sustainable development and its active role in shaping policies that impact communities on the ground. The discussions and outcomes from this workshop will help ensure the VNR report is comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of the country’s path toward sustainable growth.

Reconstituted Maridi CPRM I Photo by Duku David

Maridi – South Sudan – South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) through its unit of Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism (CEWERU) reconstituted Maridi CPRM and Conducted a 4-day training to them on how to use the Mobile Application (AlertMe) to report conflict early warning.

Under the theme, “Strengthening Early Warning and Response Structures and Capacities,” the training took place from October 6^th – 10^nd 2023 in Maridi town, Western Equatoria state. This initiative was supported by UNDP and attended by 20 (4 female) participants from the different payams in Maridi County which then forms the CPRM.

Hon. Mirri Alfred, The Commissioner Maridi County in his opening remarks “It’s a privilege and advantage for the people of Maridi to benefit from this training. The training should not end here, don’t only train the CPRMs and leave them there. They need to be supported from now onwards in order to help the county authorities.”

The CPRMs gained skills on how to use the Mobile Application to report conflict alerts from their different areas for early response by the local authorities. Participant’s understanding of conflict early warning, data collection analysis and reporting was also enhanced

SSPRC is an independent government institution tasked with mitigation and prevention of conflict at the community level. It established Ceweru in 2012 to operationalize the conflict early warning system to help government respond to and mitigate conflict before they escalate into violence with the purpose of saving lives and property