Local Peace Agreements in South Sudan: Exploring Processes at the Margins

Abstract

This report synthesises findings from five sites – Yei, Wau, Yambio, Aweil and Malakal – to assess the nature, function and influence of local peace agreements in South Sudan. These settings reflect a range of conflict drivers, governance configurations and peacebuilding efforts. Across these diverse contexts, seven cross-cutting insights emerge: 1. Local peace agreements are contextually specific but structurally patterned 2. Intermediary actors are essential to success 3. Local-to-national linkages exist, but remain weakly supported 4. Political will and follow-up determine agreement durability 5. Civil-military tensions are a recurring conflict driver 6. Spatial dynamics matter – borderlands and return zones are hotspots 7. Process is as important as outcome