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Case studies

What does security look like to you? Voices from South Sudan

Community members using photovoice to document their experiences of security and peacebuilding in South Sudan

2025 Available in English

A group of adults and children walk along a dirt path in a rural, green landscape.
A group of children are running and playing with paper airplanes on a dirt path outdoors.

From: Visualising security through photovoice

Community members using photovoice to document their experiences of security and peacebuilding

The youngest country in the World, South Sudan, has experienced a history of political rivalry, ethnic divisions and competition over resources. Since gaining independence in 2011, the country has experienced cycles of violence, most notably the civil war that began in 2013 which caused widespread displacement and humanitarian crisis. The Revitalised Peace Agreement signed in 2018 reduced the large-scale fighting and brought some stability. However, its implementation has been slow and the peace remains fragile. 

Tearfund has been active in South Sudan since the 1970s collaborating with local partners, faith leaders, and community-based organisations. These efforts have led to the establishment of community peace structures, facilitating dialogues to address violence and conflicts over land, county borders and water points. Additionally, local peacebuilders have been trained to address community conflicts. As part of peacebuilding initiatives, photovoice was used to enable the local communities to share their perceptions of security.

When seen together, these images remind us that security is more than the absence of conflict. Security is social cohesion, livelihood and food security, education, environmental protection and freedom of movement.

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