Investigating the Challenges Confronting Civil Society Organisations in Peacebuilding Activities in Juba City, South Sudan

Abstract

This study examined the challenges facing civil society organisations in implementing peacebuilding activities in Juba City, South Sudan. Although CSOs play a vital role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, conflict resolution, and community mediation in fragile and post-conflict settings, their effectiveness is constrained by structural, operational, and contextual challenges. The study sought to examine how resource limitations, external pressures, and weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation systems influence the effectiveness of CSO-led peacebuilding initiatives. A descriptive qualitative research design was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary review involving CSO leaders, community leaders, local government officials, and beneficiaries of peacebuilding programs. Thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret emerging patterns from the data. The findings revealed that CSOs experience inconsistent donor funding, limited logistical support, shortages of skilled personnel, and heavy dependence on external financial assistance. Political interference, insecurity, ethnic tensions, economic instability, environmental challenges, and weak institutional coordination further undermine peacebuilding efforts. In addition, weak M&E systems characterised by limited technical capacity, absence of standardised frameworks, poor data quality, and inadequate evidence-based decision-making reduce organisational accountability, learning, and program effectiveness. The study recommends strengthening sustainable funding mechanisms, improving coordination between CSOs and government institutions, expanding civic space to encourage inclusive participation, and establishing participatory M&E systems to enhance accountability and organisational learning. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen community-based peacebuilding, promote sustainable peace and social cohesion, and provide valuable evidence for policy formulation, program improvement, and future research on CSO-led peacebuilding in fragile contexts.