The team of the project “Visualising early warning and preparedness in civilian protection“, Chas Morrisson, Haji Elias Hillary, and Diria Vicky Thomas, have published a new article titled “Cultures and practices of local civilian self-protection in South Sudan” in the journal Peacebuilding.
The article explores South Sudanese cultural practices used for civilian self-protection, early warning and conflict preparedness, and their psychological implications. The authors find that cultural practices to avoid, postpone, or negotiate conflict show some ethnic distinctions, tend to be traditional and rely on spiritual or customary authority. While there are secular dimensions, a key aspect of these practices relates to esoteric protection, using defensive curses and sanctifying objects and places. The articles argues that community self-protection practices emerge as a core aspect of cultural life and group identity, with resonance beyond immediate protection and responding to insecurity.
Download the open access article HERE.