The continuing crisis in South Sudan is a tragedy of massive proportions. The death toll keeps rising and over three million people impacted by the fighting are now at risk of famine and disease as the approaching rainy season makes relief efforts ever more urgent.

An intervention is needed. We believe it can come from individuals courageous enough to move beyond sectional interests and search for the inspired response, motivated by the suffering of their fellow South Sudanese and the vision of a healed, renewed South Sudan. We appeal to leaders on both sides to show that statesmanship.

As a partner in the effort to establish a process for national reconciliation last year, Initiatives of Change grieves the opportunity that was lost to build the trust between personalities and parties, tribes and regions, which could have prevented this conflict. The cost has been huge.

The need of reconciliation is even higher now. But an end to the violence and massive humanitarian relief are the first priorities. Then an unimpeded revealing, under proper independent authority, of the truth of what happened is vital so that impunity is ended. Only then can healing start.

In the long-term work of reconstruction, Initiatives of Change International seeks to make its particular contribution, along with other groups, authorities and networks already working, including the Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation and the Peace and Reconciliation Commission of South Sudan.

Initiatives of Change South Sudan, which was registered as a non-governmental organization under the Ministry of Justice in February 2013, ceased to function when fighting broke out in Juba last December. It has not been possible for its board to meet or to hold elections for a National Council, in accordance with its constitution, and is therefore in a state of suspension.

As and when a reconstituted membership forms, they will need to rebuild the structure and activities of Initiatives of Change South Sudan as a movement ‘independent of any and all political or economic authorities, entities or organisations', as specified by its constitution.

Among the volunteers who came together under Initiatives of Change South Sudan in 2013 were a number of the 200 ‘Peace and Reconciliation Mobilizers’ trained last April by Initiatives of Change International in partnership with the Peace and Reconciliation Commission of South Sudan, under the Office of President. Many in this network of South Sudanese across all ten States remain active and committed to building peace around them, continuing to apply the ideals and skills they learned to their home situations. They serve no political agenda, and hold a vision bigger than sectional or tribal interests.

Initiatives of Change International will give them whatever support is possible in their work for trust-building dialogue and genuine reconciliation, as they encourage all South Sudanese to be part of building peace through personal forgiveness and healing relationships.

Signed: 
Dr Omnia Marzouk, President, Initiatives of Change International
Edward Peters, Executive Vice-President, Initiatives of Change International