Current Programmes

Concordis employs a community-centred approach to peacebuilding in Abyei, prioritising local ownership and multi-directional learning. We focus on creating sustainable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering intercommunity dialogue, and strengthening local governance structures. Concordis’ work in Abyei is rooted in over a decade of relationship building. This deep-seated trust within and between communities is the foundation upon which our peacebuilding efforts are built. 

Our methodology involves: 

• Extensive Community Engagement: peace conferences, community consultations, and learning initiatives to build trust and understanding through direct interaction with community members, including women and youth. 

• Multi-directional Learning: equipping local leaders and peacebuilders with the skills and resources for conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skills through training and consultation.  

• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: strengthening the inclusivity and effectiveness of local governance by supporting traditional governance and peace infrastructure with approaches like peace committees and community courts. 

• Early Warning Systems: through community networks and regular monitoring to communicate impending conflicts or climate events and respond proactively to prevent harm. 

• Economic Empowerment: promoting trade and livelihoods as a means to reduce tensions and build resilience, like the establishment of Amiet Market.  

• Collaboration: Partnering with local and international organisations to maximise impact and share expertise. 

By combining these elements, Concordis aims to create lasting peace in Abyei that benefits all communities. 

Concordis’ work in Abyei has yielded tangible results in fostering peace, stability, and community resilience. Our decade-long commitment has cultivated deep-rooted trust, enabling us to implement effective peacebuilding strategies. 

• Strengthening Local Governance: We have supported the re-establishment of the Amiet Peace Committee and facilitated the creation of women's and youth committees. By training traditional leaders, judges, and community members, we have enhanced their capacity to manage conflicts and promote justice. 

• Increasing Community Resilience: Our efforts to address the root causes of conflict have yielded positive outcomes. Peace conferences and early warning systems have significantly reduced intercommunal violence along cattle corridors. The establishment of the Amiet Market and support for trade have contributed to economic stability and reduced tensions. 

• Empowering Women and Youth: We have actively promoted women and youth participation in peacebuilding and governance. The ongoing training of women court counsellors and the inclusion of women and youth in the Peace Committee mark significant strides towards gender equality and youth empowerment. 

• Expanding Peacebuilding Efforts: Beyond Abyei, our work in West Kordofan, Warrap, Greater Bahr el-Ghazal region and Unity State has contributed to regional stability. By facilitating peace conferences and supporting local communities, we have helped to prevent the escalation of conflict and build resilience. 

Concordis' ability to create lasting change in complex environments, is an ongoing effort built on solid foundational work. Our work is grounded in collaboration, partnership, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. 

Abyei stands as a testament to the intricate convergence of history, conflict, and potential that defines the borderlands between Sudan and South Sudan. The region's complex background, marked by contested governance and unresolved status following the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, has left it vulnerable to politicisation and underdevelopment. Yet, it is precisely these challenges that Concordis seeks to address through its peacebuilding initiatives. 

• Bridging Historical Divides: Abyei's unresolved status has perpetuated a cycle of conflict and grievance, particularly between the Ngok Dinka, Misseriya, and Twic Dinka communities. Concordis recognises that the path to peace lies in identifying shared interests and peace dividends rather than lingering on history. This is achieved through trade, advocacy, and collaboration focused on local-level initiatives that can be achieved by fostering grassroot dialogues among these historically divided communities. 

• Navigating Complex Governance: The absence of key state institutions and the contested governance of Abyei present significant barriers to development. Concordis' work in strengthening local governance structures provides a foundation for stability, enabling communities to manage conflicts over resources like grazing land and water. This approach is crucial for facilitating access to the triple nexus of development, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding for any other institution to deliver in the region. Governance vacuums hinder such efforts.  

• Economic and Environmental Resilience: Abyei's fertile lands and strategic position as a trade node between Sudan and South Sudan present opportunities for economic growth and food security. However, these same resources are sources of conflict, exacerbated by climate change and environmental pressures. Concordis' initiatives to promote trade and economic empowerment aim to transform these vulnerabilities into strengths, fostering resilience against intercommunity conflict and environmental challenges. 

• Addressing Politicisation and Polarisation: The ongoing negotiations over Abyei's status remain stalled and stagnant, often failing to reach the local level as needed. Concordis works to link local issues and priorities to national conversations, ensuring that the voices of Abyei's communities are heard in discussions that determine their future. This approach is vital in preventing the politicisation of development assistance and ensuring that any final determination benefits the people of Abyei. 

• Leveraging Local Peacebuilding Success: Even amidst the wider Sudanese conflict, Abyei serves as a crucial entry point for Concordis to support peacebuilding efforts in West Kordofan and East Darfur, demonstrating the effectiveness of local peacebuilding strategies. Concordis leverages its trusted relationships and reputation to support traditional leaders in these regions, helping to build resilience and prevent the escalation of conflict. Abyei serves as a critical entry point for these efforts, demonstrating the potential for peacebuilding to create lasting change.