The role of youth in post-conflict peacebuilding: South Sudan as a case studythe role of youth in post-conflict peacebuilding: south sudan as a case studythe role of youth in post-conflict peacebuilding: south sudan as a case studythe role of youth in post-conflict peacebuilding: south sudan as a case study

Some scholars (Omeje, 2005; Urdal, 2006; Aning&Atta-ASAMOAH, 2011; Paalo,2017) have portrayed Africa's youth (male and female between 15 and 35) as drivers of conflict and violence in Africa because they have participated in violence, armed conflicts, and extremist groups (UNDP, 2016), as well as due to youth bulge—a demographic bomb or weak economic identity (Fuller & Pitts 1990; USAID, 2005). This dissertation holds that the young people who have participated in violence and conflict, as pointed out by the literature, were victims and not deliberate perpetrators. These youths were either brainwashed into fighting for a course other than theirs or victims of their political and economic circumstances. Research has it that most of Africa's youth are neither violent nor participate in violence regardless of the wrongs, discriminations, exploitation, etc., they may encounter daily, especially within conflict environments (UNDP, 2016). Therefore, this thesis argues that, despite their political and economic predicaments, they can still be active drivers of peace and non-violence. To examine this positive potential, the study used South Sudan as a case study, the "local turn" theory, and a qualitative research approach to interview youth leaders and review project documents of four youth organizations actively building peace in South Sudan. This dissertation found that young people have immensely contributed to South Sudan's peacebuilding process in different roles through civil society organizations such as serving as mediators, thus, promoting conflict resolution through dialogue; improving livelihoods through relief services and entrepreneurial skills training and funds allocation; strengthening the culture of peace through peace education; and promoting inclusion by giving voice to other youths, women, and children. The implications of this are that young people are increasingly becoming aware of their positive role in peacebuilding and that these groups of people are very active in peacebuilding despite the political and economic challenges that they face. This increasing awareness of their positive role falls heavily within the local turn debate which advocates for the role of local actors such as the youth in peacebuilding. Keywords: youth, role, peacebuilding, conflict, violence, conflict drivers, South Sudan