The Obbo Payam communities have committed to actively participating in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.
This sentiment was expressed following a March 15–16 “Sport for Peace” football tournament in Obbo Payam, Magwi County—one of the areas hardest hit by ongoing conflict, which has led to insecurity, mistrust, and displacement.
Organized by Women Peace Envoy South Sudan (WPESS), the tournament brought together youth, women, and men from different bomas to strengthen community bonds. Participants have continued to give positive feedback, praising the event for its enjoyment and its role in fostering unity among diverse communities.
GIZ South Sudan, on behalf of the German Development Cooperation, provided financial support for the tournament. The event united six bomas—Labato, Lowudo, Alia, Lerwa, Cama, and Licari—engaging 325 players (150 women, 150 men, and 25 community leaders) and attracting over 1,000 spectators.
A key focus was encouraging women’s participation in sports, creating a supportive environment where they felt safe, motivated, and empowered.
The tournament was officially opened by Maurice Ladu Wani, the Executive Director of Magwi County, alongside Achan Betty Ogwaro, the National MP for the Women’s League, and Peter Okullo, the President of the Magwi County Local Football Association.
Beyond the games, the initiative provided a platform for dialogue, where messages of peace were shared, and community members engaged in discussions on reconciliation and conflict resolution.
The Community-Driven Rural Development (CDRD) project is jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and implemented by GIZ as part of a four-year cooperation initiative.
The CDRD project promotes high-yield, agro-ecological, and climate-adapted agriculture to improve living conditions in rural areas. Through targeted interventions, it advises regional administrations and civil society actors on development planning, with a focus on conflict prevention and gender equality.
Additionally, the project supports smallholder farmers, women, and young adults by improving their access to agricultural resources, markets, and services.
Launched in 2022, the CDRD project expanded in early 2024 with substantial co-funding from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In South Sudan, GIZ operates on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.