By Orlando Moses
From July 15th to July 19th, 2024, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) in collaboration with Cordaid organised a dynamic and insightful 5-day workshop on Lobby and Advocacy and Conflict Sensitivity in Juba, South Sudan.
The workshop brought together all 8 local partners involved in the implementation of the ‘Just Future’ Programme across various states and counties in South Sudan. Recognizing the crucial role of Lobby and Advocacy in the ‘Just Future’ Project, the workshop aimed to equip the partners with the necessary tools to effectively influence public policy and decision-making processes.
The workshop commenced on a high note as the participants delved deep into the essence of Lobbying and Advocacy, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the activities carried out by the local partners. Eoin O’Leary, the facilitator, guided the participants in identifying and discussing the key components of successful Lobbying and Advocacy, emphasising the importance of the Common Ground Approach to Advocacy.
To practically apply the Common Ground Approach and address the fundamental questions of advocacy, the participants were divided into three groups, each focusing on one of the three outcome areas: People-centered Security, Access to Justice, and Inclusive Political Decision-making and Peace Processes. These groups were tasked with developing lobby and Advocacy strategies tailored to their respective areas.
This practical session aimed to evaluate the participant’s ability to answer the critical questions in advocacy: What needs to change? Whom do you need to influence? How can you influence them? What is our message? And what is our plan? By engaging in this exercise, the participants gained a hands-on understanding of the Common Ground Approach and its practical application.
During the presentations, Rev. Andrew Apiny, the Executive Director of Christian Action for Relief and Development (CARD), highlighted the need for flexibility and adaptability in Lobby and Advocacy efforts, especially in the ever-changing political landscape of South Sudan. He emphasised the importance of shifting focus, changing tactics, and forging new alliances to realise their ideas and desired change.
Peter Kuot, the program manager of Search for Common Grounds (SFCG), then guided the participants through Conflict Sensitivity in advocacy. He reiterated the importance of understanding the operating context, particularly conflict dynamics, to ensure that advocacy actions contribute to peace and stability rather than exacerbate tensions.
In group discussions, the participants delved extensively into the principles of conflict sensitivity, conducting a comprehensive context analysis to grasp the perspectives of different stakeholders, identify existing and potential opportunities and threats, and pinpoint the dividers and connectors within their society. The participants were committed to ensuring that their interventions do not inadvertently cause harm, adhering to the ‘DO NO HARM’ approach, while actively striving to build and strengthen peace.
Reflecting on the workshop, Modong Silva, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Cordaid, shared her insights, stating, “After the group discussions and my presentation on context analysis, I was able to identify the dividers and connectors, opportunities, and threats in the context of South Sudan.”
At the end of the workshop, the participants expressed their confidence in their newfound practical tools and strategies to influence policy and contribute to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. They underscored the importance of collaboration in their Lobby and Advocacy efforts, recognizing the need for conflict-sensitive actions to achieve their goals.
Lastly, Yeno Suzan, the Programme Officer at Cordaid, extended her gratitude to the facilitators, Eoin O’Leary, Policy Officer of European Affairs, and Peter Kuot, Program Manager of Search for Common Ground (SFGC), for their exceptional facilitation and interactive engagement. She also commended the participants for their active participation, thoughtful contributions, and willingness to share their experiences throughout the workshop.