Inter-Church Committee’s Role in Resolving Inter-Clan Conflicts in Rumbek East County, Lake State, South Sudan

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.1.24

Authors

  • Abraham Yel Nhial St. Paul’s University, Kenya
  • Dr. Teresia Wachira Wamũyũ St. Paul’s University, Kenya
  • Dr. Antony Odek St. Paul’s University, Kenya

Keywords:

Conflict Resolution, Inter-Church Committee, Inter-Clan Conflicts, Peacebuilding Strategies

Abstract

This study examines the role of the Inter-Church Committee in addressing inter-clan conflicts in Rumbek East County, South Sudan, where conflicts persist despite significant church-led peace efforts. The specific objectives were to analyze the nature of these conflicts, evaluate the effectiveness of the Church’s peacebuilding strategies, and assess the challenges encountered in resolving these conflicts. The research was grounded in Protracted Social Conflict Theory and Galtung’s “A Mini Theory of Peace.” Employing a descriptive research design, the study focused on church members, clergy, community leaders, elders, and opinion leaders in the crisis-affected areas of Cuei Kok and Malengakok. A sample of 358 respondents was selected through stratified and purposive sampling. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews.  The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, analyzing quantitative data using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights. Key findings reveal that inter-communal conflicts are driven by historical grievances, socio-economic issues like cattle raiding and resource disputes, and entrenched gender inequalities. The Church’s peacebuilding strategies, including peace meetings, forgiveness preaching, and mediation by local leaders, have been effective but face challenges such as financial constraints, community divisions, and inadequate government support. The study concludes that these conflicts are rooted in deep-seated historical and socio-economic factors, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups. It highlights the potential of religious actors in peacebuilding while acknowledging the challenges they face. Recommendations include enhancing conflict resolution capacities, addressing root causes, securing sustainable funding, fostering inclusive community engagement, and implementing robust monitoring mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of integrating religious teachings with practical interventions to effectively mitigate conflicts and promote enduring peace in Rumbek East County.

Dimensions

Abu-Nimer, M., & Nasser, I. (2018). Forgiveness in the Arab and Islamic Contexts: Between Theology and Practice. Journal of Religious Ethics, 41(3), 474-494. https://doi.org/10.1111/jore.12025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jore.12025

Ademowo, Y. (2017). Peace and Conflict Resolution. Being a Lecture Note: Peacemaking in Traditional African Society. Abuja: National Open University of Nigeria.

Ahadu, M. B. E. (2019). Evaluating the Challenges of IGAD-Led Peace Process of South Sudan. International Affairs and Global Strategy, 7(78), 1-10.

Aleyomi, M. M., & Abu, B. M. (2018). Political leadership and Nigeria's image crisis. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 14 (4), 287-298). https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2018-1404-23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2018-1404-23

Angom, S. (2018). Women in peacemaking and peacebuilding in Northern Uganda (Vol. 22). New York: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75883-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75883-1

Ajayi, A. T., & Buhari, L. O. (2014). Methods of conflict resolution in African traditional society. African Research Review, 8, 138-157. https://doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v8i2.9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v8i2.9

Azar, E. E. (1990). The management of protracted social. London, UK: Dartmouth Publishing Company.

Cahill, D. (2017). Religion and International Development. In International Development: A Global Perspective on Theory and Practice (pp. 135-49). Oliver's Yard, 55 City Road London EC1Y 1SP: SAGE Publications Ltd. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526429414.n9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526429414.n9

Craze, J. (2020). The Politics of Numbers: On Security Sector Reform in South Sudan, 2005-2020. Retrieved April 2024, from https://www.lse.ac.uk/africa/assets/Documents/Politics-of-Numbers-JoshuaCraze

Desmidt, S. (2019). Conflict management and prevention under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) of the African Union. Africa Journal of Management, 5(1), 79-97.

https://doi.org/10.1080/23322373.2018.1563465 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23322373.2018.1563465

Eckhardt, J., Kaletka, C., Pelka, B., Unterfrauner, E., Voigt, C., & Zirngiebl, M. (2021). Gender in the making: An empirical approach to understand gender relations in the maker movement. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 14(5), 102548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2020.102548 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2020.102548

Ekpenyong, E. O., & Okoi, I. O. (2018). The role of the church in conflicts management, peace building and development in Nigeria. Sophia. An African Journal of Philosophy, 18(2), 84-94.

Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by Peaceful Means: Peace and Conflict, Development and Civilization. New York: Sage.

https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446221631 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446221631

Idris, I. O., Obwoya, J. G., Tapkigen, J., Lamidi, S. A., Ochagu, V. A., & Abbas, K. (2021). Impact evaluation of immunisation service integration to nutrition programmes and paediatric outpatient departments of primary healthcare centres in Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre counties of South Sudan. Family Medicine and Community Health, 9(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2021-001034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2021-001034

Ijirshar, V. V., & Andohol, J. (2022). Investment -growth nexus in West Africa: An assessment of whether fragility Matter. International Review of Economic and Finance, 18, 1-17.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2022.04.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2022.04.006

Kenduiywa, T., & Nyandiwa, C. O. (2023). The Role of the Catholic Church in Ethnic Conflict Resolution among the Residents of Kipchimchim Parish in Kenya. The International Journal of humanities & Social Studies, 8 (10), 78-8.

https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2020/v8/i10/HS2010-026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2020/v8/i10/HS2010-026

Kariuki, J. K. (2016). Peace Building among the Urban Poor of Mathare Informal Settlement in Nairobi County: The Interventions of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Nairobi 1999-2009. (M.A. Thesis, Kenyatta University).

Kimani, J. (2021). Role of Church Justice and Peace Commission and Conflicts Management in Pastoral Communities. European Journal of Conflict Management, 2(1), 22-41.

https://doi.org/10.47672/ejcm.787 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47672/ejcm.787

Korir, S., Koech, J., & Ayanga, H. (2022). An Investigation of Church Based Peace Building Models in Selected Churches in Kericho County. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 3(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.0008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.0008

Lamidi, K. O. (2021). An Evaluation of Peace Building Strategies in Southwestern Nigeria: Quantitative and Qualitative Examples. Journal of African Conflicts and Peace Studies, 4(2): 1-20

https://doi.org/10.5038/2325-484X.4.2.1143 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5038/2325-484X.4.2.1143

Leiner, M., & Schliesser, C. (2017). Alternative approaches in conflict resolution. Springer.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58359-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58359-4

Leonardi, C. (2020). Patchwork States: The Localization of State Territoriality on the South Sudan-Uganda Border, 1914-2014. Past & Present, 248(1), 209-258.

https://doi.org/10.1093/pastj/gtz052 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pastj/gtz052

Martin, L., & Schliesser, C. (2018). Alternative Approaches in Conflict Resolution. Basingstoke.

Mohamud, A., & Ruto, P. (2020). A Snapshot Analysis of the Concept Peace Committee in Relation to Peace building Initiatives in Kenya. Nairobi: Practical Action.

Mwagiru, M. (2018). Conflict management in Africa: lessons learnt and future strategies. Nairobi: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Centre for Conflict Research.

Netanyahu, K., & Susanto, D. (2022). The Sustainability of Interreligious Dialogue in Indonesia under the Phenomenon of Intolerance by Islamic Populists. Dialog, 45(2), 248-257.

https://doi.org/10.47655/dialog.v45i2.664 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47655/dialog.v45i2.664

Nnabuihe, O. E., & Onwuzuruigbo, I. (2021). Designing disorder: spatial ordering and ethno-religious conflicts in Jos metropolis, North-Central Nigeria. Planning Perspectives, 36(1), 75-93.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2019.1708782 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2019.1708782

Oyedele, L. K. (2019). Challenges of local governance institutions on peace building in Africa: empirical insights from southwestern Nigeria. Global Journal of Social Sciences, 18(5), 95-106. https://doi.org/10.4314/gjss.v18i1.8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/gjss.v18i1.8

Pendle, N. (2018). The dead are just to drink from': recycling ideas of revenge among the western Dinka, South Sudan. Africa, 88 (1) 99-121. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0001972017000584 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0001972017000584

Saferworld. (2023). Conflict, gender-based violence and mental health in Lakes State Perspectives from South Sudan. Juba: Saferworld.

Schliesser, C., Kadayifci-Orellana, S. A., & Kollontai, P. (2020). Why religion matters: An introduction. In On the Significance of Religion in Conflict and Conflict Resolution (pp.9-21). Routledge.

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003002888-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003002888-4

Steen-Johnsen, T. (2020). The rhetoric of love in religious peacebuilding. Journal of Contemporary Religion, 35(3), 433-448.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13537903.2020.1810972 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13537903.2020.1810972

Thomas, E. (2019). Moving Towards Markets: Cash, Commodification and Conflict in South Sudan. London, UK.: Rift Valley Institute.

UNOCHA. (2009). Kuria Inter-Clan Clashes Situation Report. Retrieved April 2024, from UNOCHA: http:// ochaonline.un.org/Kenya

Upreti, B. R., Ghale, Y., & Sony, K. C. (2016). Effects of Armed Conflict on Agricultural Markets and Post-Conflict Engagement of Women in Export-led Agriculture in Nepal. Journal of International Women's Studies, 18(1), 156-180.

Wilson, J. H. (2019). The religious landscape in South Sudan: Challenges and opportunities for engagement. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace.

Yadav, P. (2016). Social transformation in post-conflict Nepal: A gender perspective. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315666037 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315666037

Published

2025-01-29

How to Cite

Yel Nhial, A., Wamũyũ Wachira, T., & Odek, A. (2025). Inter-Church Committee’s Role in Resolving Inter-Clan Conflicts in Rumbek East County, Lake State, South Sudan. African Journal of Empirical Research, 6(1), 264–280. https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.6.1.24