FY24 Q1 - QUARTERLY REPORT: USAID Shejeh Salam (Promoting Peace)

The activity focuses on four program objectives: promoting peace processes and peaceful co-existence, supporting civil society actors to advocate for peace and reform, enabling key partners to supply trauma awareness services, and promoting accurate and fair information through media. The activity is being implemented in five states and 13 priority counties of South Sudan, with a focus on building cross-line interdependence and intra-community cohesion. The technical approach aligns with the USAID/South Sudan country strategy, which aims to address the complex operating environment in the country. During the reporting period of October 1 to December 31, 2023, there were 113 security-related incidents reported in the target counties. The incidents included armed clashes, banditry, and cattle raids, which affected communities and disrupted economic activities. Despite these challenges, the activity continued to implement its programs, with a focus on supporting local actors to build peace processes and promoting accurate information through media. The activity's progress is being monitored through the Annual Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), which provides a framework for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. The AMELP is being implemented in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, who are providing valuable insights and feedback on the activity's programs. In terms of specific achievements, the activity has made progress in promoting peace processes and peaceful co-existence. For example, community leaders and traditional authorities have been engaged in peacebuilding initiatives, and local actors have been supported to establish community-based peace committees. Additionally, the activity has promoted accurate and fair information through media, with a focus on mitigating the destructive impact of rumors and misinformation. However, the activity has also faced challenges, including security-related incidents and limited access to some areas. Despite these challenges, the activity continues to implement its programs, with a focus on supporting local actors to build peace processes and promoting accurate information through media. The activity's progress will be further evaluated through the AMELP, which will provide a comprehensive assessment of the activity's achievements and challenges. The evaluation will inform future programming and ensure that the activity remains aligned with the USAID/South Sudan country strategy. In terms of integration with cross-cutting issues and USAID priorities, the activity has made progress in promoting gender equality and social inclusion. For example, women have been engaged in peacebuilding initiatives, and local actors have been supported to establish community-based peace committees that include women. Additionally, the activity has promoted environmental compliance, with a focus on mitigating the impact of its programs on the environment. The activity has also engaged with stakeholders, including local partners, community leaders, and traditional authorities, to ensure that its programs are responsive to community needs and priorities. The activity has also promoted youth engagement, with a focus on supporting young people to participate in peacebuilding initiatives and promoting their economic empowerment. Overall, the Shejeh Salam activity in South Sudan is making progress in promoting peace processes and peaceful co-existence, supporting civil society actors to advocate for peace and reform, enabling key partners to supply trauma awareness services, and promoting accurate and fair information through media. Despite challenges, the activity continues to implement its programs, with a focus on supporting local actors to build peace processes and promoting accurate information through media.