Author: Baria Johnson | Published: 11 hours ago
Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony (2nd from left) is joined by State Peacebuilding Minister Jacob Aligo, National Undersecretary Pia Michael, and representatives from the UNDP during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Juba Peace Hub – Credit: CES Government
JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Peacebuilding officially broke ground on Wednesday for the construction of a new Peace Hub at its headquarters in Juba.
Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the facility serves as a cornerstone for dialogue, community cohesion, and sustainable peace-building efforts across South Sudan.
Speaking at the launch, State Minister of Peacebuilding Jacob Aligo emphasized that the hub’s primary mission is to “inculcate the culture of peace” among citizens.
He noted that the facility would address the national challenge of instability by providing a dedicated space for peace initiatives.
“We need to make every effort within our means to ensure that peace prevails in every corner of the state and the country,” Minister Aligo stated.
He also highlighted the economic benefits for international and local partners. “Our partners spend significant resources hiring hotel halls for their activities. This facility will allow them to redirect those funds toward critical grassroots programs.”
Pia Michael, Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Peacebuilding, outlined an ambitious vision for the hub. Beyond hosting meetings, the centre is designed to be a modern resource for the entire Republic of South Sudan, equipped with an internet-accessible library and access to academic journals.
“We want it to be a center where we train our mediators and provide essential trauma healing and psychosocial support,” Michael said. “It will be a space where our County Executive Officers (CECOs) can come to build their professional capacity.”
Governor of Central Equatoria Emmanuel Adil Anthony described the hub as “more than just a building,” labeling it a strategic nerve center for the state.
He emphasized its role as a coordination point for research and a platform for bringing diverse stakeholders together to implement the 2018 peace agreement and other local initiatives.
“I know it will provide a platform to bring all stakeholders together to implement sustainable peace programs across Central Equatoria,” Governor Adil remarked.
Once completed, the Peace Hub is expected to be a primary venue for conflict resolution training, youth engagement, and regional peace research, marking a significant step forward in South Sudan’s journey toward long-term stability.
