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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Example of building inter-communal resilience: Lou Nuer-Murle
Long history of violence
Cattle raids
Child abductions
Killings
Interventions ( )
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.