Dr. Arik Mawien founded the Akougook Initiative with a focus on using Health as a Bridge to Peace in his community.
South Sudan is organized in clusters of tribal groups that base their culture and wealth on the cattle they raise. For generations, there has been tribal conflict between the Nuer and Dinka.
I experienced this type of conflict in a very personal way when my village was attacked by the Nuer tribe in 1994.
Our grass hut was burned and in the process I lost my mother and two other siblings. Retaliatory attacks were done by the Dinka of my village and many Nuer mothers and children were also killed. All this senseless loss of life and property could have been prevented.
Lou Arik village is a predominantly Dinka community in Tonj North county, Warrap state, South Sudan. The Dinka and Nuer tribes have fought for generations over water points, cattle, and brides.
Raids and retaliatory attacks have resulted in bloodshed and villages in turmoil over many years. I experienced this type of conflict in a very personal way when my village was attacked by the Nuer tribe in 1994. Our grass hut was burned and in the process I lost my mother and two other siblings.
Retaliatory attacks were done by the Dinka of my village and many Nuer mothers and children were killed. All this senseless loss of life and property could have been prevented.
Organize and facilitate community-based dialogues.
Create awareness on prejudice reduction through training
Build and empower youth with knowledge and skills on Peace-building activities
Organize soccer leagues, volleyball leagues, and traditional wrestling
Create awareness on prejudice reduction through training