Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) Can resilience programming work in conflict-affected areas? Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) October 2018

Background VISTAS is a six-year program with the goal of mitigating the spread of communal violence and rising tensions in critical areas of South Sudan Particularly where the local conflict may have national implications or strategic importance to overall stability. There are in fact five wars unfolding within the country’s broader conflict: War of resistance against Kiir’s regime in Juba by the population of the surrounding Greater Equatoria region: Driver’s of conflict- Land occupation; Dinka dominance of political and security organs; exclusion from 2015 peace deal Land contest between the Dinka and the Shilluk in Upper Nile: Drivers of conflict -Territory and state political representation Intra-Nuer war in Unity: Drivers of conflict - Power and justice Drive to establish Dinka primacy in Greater Bahr el Ghazal: Drivers of conflict - Power Struggles within Kiir’s coalition; succession battles; coup fears Diversionary “crises of convenience” in Lakes and Jonglei that have been exploited by Kiir and his allies. Drivers of conflict – Balance of Power These theatres should be understood as political arenas and not secondary problems of a security vacuum. To believe otherwise risks two serious misunderstandings of the war: 1) the government has or can defeated the opposition and therefore win the war militarily; 2) the war can then be ended through an essentially apolitical “national dialogue” process spearheaded by President Salva Kiir; elections.

How does VISTAS define resilience? Communities managing conflict and tension through peaceful means and building positive relationships for prosperous livelihoods, inclusive growth, and lasting resilience.

Our Approach Trauma Awareness Peace Processes Media Sets foundation for reconciliation Peace Processes Address the issues Agree on resolutions Media Access to accurate information counters rumors Disseminate peace agreement resolutions Interdependency (example: trade) Reduces chances of renewed violence

What Works? Integrating trauma awareness into resilience programming Geographical and sector clustering (Layering, sequencing, clustering) Maximizes effect over time Focusing on critical conflicts rather than trying to address everything Supporting existing structures or actors Strengthen More inclusive

What Does Not Work? Creating or supporting entities that are not already functional Example: Building a traditional authority court where they aren’t active One-time interventions that are not linked to a larger strategy Example: Vocational training that is not tailored to market demands Providing community infrastructure without ensuring training and commitment from stakeholder oversight committee There are in fact five wars unfolding within the country’s broader conflict: War of resistance against Kiir’s regime in Juba by the population of the surrounding Greater Equatoria region: Driver’s of conflict- Land occupation; Dinka dominance of political and security organs; exclusion from 2015 peace deal Land contest between the Dinka and the Shilluk in Upper Nile: Drivers of conflict -Territory and state political representation Intra-Nuer war in Unity: Drivers of conflict - Power and justice Drive to establish Dinka primacy in Greater Bahr el Ghazal: Drivers of conflict - Power Struggles within Kiir’s coalition; succession battles; coup fears Diversionary “crises of convenience” in Lakes and Jonglei that have been exploited by Kiir and his allies. Drivers of conflict – Balance of Power These theatres should be understood as political arenas and not secondary problems of a security vacuum. To believe otherwise risks two serious misunderstandings of the war: 1) the government has or can defeated the opposition and therefore win the war militarily; 2) the war can then be ended through an essentially apolitical “national dialogue” process spearheaded by President Salva Kiir; elections.

Example of building inter-communal resilience: Lou Nuer-Murle Long history of violence Cattle raids Child abductions Killings Interventions (2014-2018) Early warning systems (communication equipment) Reestablishing peace dialogues Following up peace agreement resolutions Exchange visits between leaders and other community members Increasing resilience - through improved communications; increased frequency and inclusivity of dialogues; return of cattle/abductees; building trust among communities; and exposing participants to other community traditions.