By Jenifer J. Ogawi
Sport for Peace Football Tournament in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State has successfully brought together youth, women, and men from six Bomas to foster unity and reconciliation.
Held in Obbo Payam, an area deeply affected by conflict and displacement, the tournament organised by Women Peace Envoy South Sudan (WPESS) aimed at building trust and strengthen social bonds among communities.
The event which marked a significant gender mainstreaming in South Sudan’s sports, encouraging women’s participation in sports, and providing a safe space for them to engage in community activities, saw participation from 325 player -150 women, 150 men, and 25 community leaders – with over 1,000 spectators attending.
In a press release to the media on Thursday, the Executive Director of Magwi County, Maurice Ladu Wani, emphasised the tournament’s role in fostering peace. “Sports have the power to bring people together, regardless of their differences. This tournament is not just about football; it is about healing, rebuilding trust, and promoting peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Meanwhile the National Member of Parliament for the Women’s League, Achan Betty Ogwaro, highlighted the importance of women’s involvement in peace initiatives.
“Women play a crucial role in conflict resolution and community building. Seeing them actively participate in sports today is a step toward greater inclusion and empowerment,” she noted.
However, the President of Magwi County Local Football Association, Okullo Peter, praised the initiative, saying, “This is more than a game. It is an opportunity for different communities to come together, break barriers, and work towards a shared future.”
Participants expressed their appreciation for the event. Lilian Atoo, a player from Labato Boma, said the tournament made her feel included and empowered. “I never imagined playing football in a big event like this. It makes me proud to see women on the field, showing that we are part of the community’s future,” she said.
The tournament is part of the Community Driven Rural Development (CDRD) project, a four-year initiative jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, implemented by GIZ South Sudan.
Since its launch in 2022, the CDRD project has expanded its focus on sustainable agriculture, conflict prevention, and gender equality. The programme provides smallholder farmers, women, and youth with access to agricultural resources, markets, and services while also supporting local governments in development planning.
The Sport for Peace Football Tournament, financially supported by GIZ South Sudan on behalf of the German Development Cooperation, stands as a powerful example of how sports can serve as a bridge to peace in South Sudan’s conflict-affected regions.
