In a renewed bid to end decades of cyclical violence, the South Sudanese government has ramped up peace-building initiatives, with President Salva Kiir Mayardit reiterating his administration’s commitment to “no more fighting” as a cornerstone of national development. This pledge comes amid escalating efforts to stabilize conflict-prone regions and attract vital foreign investment, a strategy underscored by the country’s South Sudan Minister of Investment, Dr. Dhieu Mathok, who last year emphasized the “indivisible link between peace and sustainable economic growth” during a keynote address at Harvard University.
“Peace is not merely the absence of war—it is the foundation upon which prosperous economies are built,” Dr. Mathok stated in his 2024 Harvard presentation. “Investment thrives where stability exists, and stability is reinforced when communities see tangible benefits from development.”
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These principles are now being put into action. Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, last week spearheaded a landmark peace initiative in Upper Nile and Jonglei states, engaging White Army leaders, traditional authorities, and spiritual figures to de-escalate tensions in Nasir, Ulang, and Nyirol counties. Between February 23 and March 1, 2025, Dr. Bol Mel held intensive dialogues with local commissioners and White Army representatives, culminating in a critical agreement to allow the deployment of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) troops via river transport.
The breakthrough ensures safe passage for SSPDF barges to Nasir County, with disarmament talks slated to follow once stability is secured. “Lasting peace is not negotiable—it is the bedrock of our nation’s future,” Dr. Bol Mel declared, echoing President Kiir’s vision.
In a significant next step, Dr. Bol Mel announced plans to host White Army leaders, spiritual guides, and traditional authorities from Eastern Jikany Nuer, Lou Nuer, and Fangak Nuer communities in Juba later this month. President Kiir will personally chair the reconciliation meeting, aiming to foster unity and solidify commitments to non-violence. Among the attendees will be ‘Prophet’ Luel Kueth Deng, a revered spiritual leader of the “Chaak Doang” tradition, whose influence is expected to bolster grassroots trust in the process.
The government’s dual focus on peace and investment aligns with broader strategies to revive South Sudan’s economy. High-potential sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure—highlighted in Dr. Mathok’s Harvard address—remain central to this vision. However, challenges persist, including bureaucratic hurdles and security risks, which the administration seeks to address through policy reforms and public-private partnerships.
As South Sudan navigates this fragile juncture, international observers cautiously welcome the progress. “Engaging local leaders and prioritizing stability is essential,” said a UN envoy familiar with the talks. “But sustained peace will require translating these agreements into economic opportunities for communities long marginalized by conflict.”
With President Kiir’s administration doubling down on its “no fighting” pledge, and Dr. Bol Mel’s grassroots diplomacy gaining traction, hopes are rising for a transformative era of stability—one that could unlock the investment needed to propel South Sudan toward lasting peace.
