Chiefs’ Courts and Peacebuilding in South Sudan: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
Garang, Kuol, and Sims, Kearrin (2025) Chiefs’ Courts and Peacebuilding in South Sudan: Bridging Tradition and Modernity. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, 20 (3). 15423166251338529.
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Abstract
In response to the shortcomings of liberal peacebuilding, contemporary peacebuilding literature calls for localized approaches to conflict prevention in postconflict countries. Chiefs’ courts in South Sudan are one example of a localized approach that has been instrumental to traditional peacebuilding, addressing disputes and food shortages during famines. This article argues that greater incorporation of chiefs’ courts into a comprehensive, place-based approach presents significant opportunities for strengthening peace in South Sudan. However, the article also argues that there is a need for further critical analysis of ways in which chiefs’ courts align with contemporary peacebuilding standards and practices. Examining the effectiveness and challenges of this Indigenous peacebuilding mechanism, this article calls for a more nuanced and community-driven peacebuilding approach in South Sudan that recognizes and leverages the agency and expertise of local actors, alongside international partners, to promote sustainable peace.
| Item ID: | 88398 |
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| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 2165-7440 |
| Keywords: | bridging tradition and modernity, chiefs’ courts, peacebuilding, South Sudan |
| Copyright Information: | © The Author(s) 2025. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Apr 2026 05:14 |
| FoR Codes: | 48 LAW AND LEGAL STUDIES > 4803 International and comparative law > 480307 International humanitarian and human rights law @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 23 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 2303 International relations > 230305 Peace and conflict @ 100% |
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