December 16, 2025 (Juba, South Sudan): This story documents the peacebuilding efforts of Dut Riak Juma, a South Sudanese youth and refugee peace advocate, who has transformed conflict into dialogue through community-based mediation. Drawing from his experiences with UNMISS and Clingendael Institute, the narrative explores two key interventions: the peaceful mediation of the Mabior Stream conflict between Chueibet and Rumbek Centre communities, and youth-led dialogue supporting disarmament in Upper Nile. Both cases demonstrate the power of inclusive participation, especially of youth, in preventing violence and promoting local ownership of peace. By integrating insider mediation, cultural understanding, and negotiation skills, Dut’s work illustrates how grassroots peacebuilders are redefining the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agendas across South Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa.
Introduction and Context
Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced persistent cycles of violence driven by resource scarcity, ethnic divisions, and
political instability. Amid this volatile environment, the disarmament of armed youth has been a complex and sensitive undertaking, often leading to confrontation between communities and government forces (Gatwech, 2013). Within this landscape, Dut Riak Juma, a South Sudanese national and a UN Volunteer with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) has played a transformative role as a peace mediator, translator and humanitarian advocate. His journey bridges lived experience, community resilience, and insider mediation across South Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
Life in the Midst of Disarmament
In early 2025, Dut witnessed the escalation of conflict in Nasir, Upper Nile State, when the government initiated a forced disarmament policy targeting armed youth. What began as a security operation soon turned into a violent confrontation between state forces and local youth who feared exploitation and marginalization(Tor, 2025). Drawing from the negotiation and mediation skills he acquired through the Kuza Amani and Empowering Youth Peacebuilders fellowships by the Clingendael Institute and International Centre for Peace, Human Rights and Development in Africa (Clingendael, 2025), Dut stepped in to facilitate dialogue between local chiefs, armed youth representatives, and security actors. His mediation efforts emphasized voluntary disarmament grounded in trust-building, livelihood alternatives, and inclusive participation.
According to the Small Arms Survey (2023), youth-led disarmament in South Sudan succeeds when local mediators integrate cultural legitimacy and respect traditional authority structures. Dut’s approach mirrored this framework. He collaborated with DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) officials, including Ms. Hellen Ernasio, to ensure the reintegration of demobilized youth through vocational programs (UNMISS, 2025). This initiative reduced tensions and set a foundation for longer-term community trust between local youth and government security forces.
Mediation and Local Peace Structures
Beyond the disarmament process, Dut applied his mediation expertise to address a violent conflict in Lakes State the Mabior Stream dispute between the Chueibet (Gok) and Rumbek Centre (Agaar) communities. The dispute, originally sparked by access to water and cattle routes, had claimed over ten lives. As part of a committee of eight elders and four youth, Dut facilitated negotiations that led to the establishment of reservoir Apiir and the installation of two water pumps to serve both communities. This outcome not only de-escalated tensions but also restored social harmony through shared resources and dialogue. His mediation model draws from John Paul Lederach’s theory of sustainable peacebuilding (1997), which underscores the importance of relational trust, community ownership, and moral imagination. Dut’s approach integrates these elements—creating safe spaces for conversation, empowering youth, and centering women’s voices in dialogue processes. His efforts also align with IGAD’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework, emphasizing local leadership and evidence-based peace practices.
Reflections, Achievements, and Lessons
Through his experiences, Dut learned that effective peacebuilding requires both technical competence and emotional intelligence. His bilingual fluency in English and Juba Arabic allowed him to bridge communication gaps between peacekeepers and local actors, a contribution that improved the accuracy of translations and reduced misinformation during field operations with UNMISS. Furthermore, his documentation of mediation outcomes contributed to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) initiative commemorating the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250, amplifying youth- led mediation stories globally.
Dut’s peacebuilding journey illustrates the transformative potential of local mediators in fragile contexts. His role in the Yambio reintegration program for child soldiers and the Mabior Stream peace process demonstrates how insider mediators can translate conflict sensitivity into practical action. Moving forward, his vision is to strengthen youth- led mediation networks and support inclusive frameworks for sustainable peace across South Sudan and the broader IGAD region.
References
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https://www.clingendael.org/news/empowering-youth-peacebuilders- horn-africa.
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https://www.beyondintractability.org/casestudy/nyoat-disarmament.
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Tor, W,S. (2025). From Wounds to Peace: Why Healing Must Lead Disarmament in South Sudan’s Greater Upper Nile. https://paanluelwel.com/2025/07/01/from-wounds-to-peace-why healing-must-lead-disarmament-in-south-sudans-greater-upper-nile/
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United States Institute of Peace (2025). Youth in Mediation: Reflections on UNSCR 2250. Washington, DC: USIP.
Author: Dut Riak Juma.
Title: From Disarmament to Dialogue. City: Juba, South Sudan.
Year of Publication: 2025.
Area of Interest: Evidence Story.
