Sudan home front
SIR – In South Sudan the current conflict has forced 4.3 million people to flee their homes, and put seven million in need of humanitarian aid.
The signing of a peace deal last week was welcome, but in addition to supporting a peace process at this level, it is essential to work locally to address tensions between communities that are also driving much of the conflict and causing widespread brutalisation.
We have seen reconciliation through local peace-building, with children abducted by opposition groups being returned to their families, and women previously at war exchanging gifts and trading with each other.
A peace deal will only work if there is already local dialogue. It is time to strengthen support for grassroots organisations, young people, peace activists and churches, who hold the key to a better future for South Sudan. Nigel CEO, Tearfund Harris Chris Bain Director, Cafod Natalia Chan Peacebuilding Adviser, Christian Aid