Vistas) Q3 Fy 2017 Quarterly Report April 1– June 30, 2017

VIABLE SUPPORT TO TRANSITION AND STABILITY (VISTAS) Q3 FY 2017 QUARTERLY REPORT APRIL 1– JUNE 30, 2017

JUNE 2017 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by AECOM.

VIABLE SUPPORT TO TRANSITION AND STABILITY (VISTAS) Q2 FY 2017 QUARTERLY REPORT APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2017

Contract No. AID-668-C-13-00004

Submitted to: USAID South Sudan

Prepared by: AECOM International Development

Prepared for: Office of Transition and Conflict Mitigation (OTCM) USAID South Sudan Mission American Embassy Juba, South Sudan

DISCLAIMER: The authors’ views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) i TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Executive Summary ...... 1

II. Political And Security Landscape ...... 2

National Political and Security Landscape ...... 2

Political & Security Landscape in VISTAS Regional Offices ...... 3

III. Program Strategy...... 6

IV. Program Highlights ...... 8

To Increase Space and Tools to Manage Conflict and Tensions ...... 8

To Promote a More Informed Community ...... 11

To Engage Communities in Trauma Awareness to Lay the Foundation for Healing and Reconciliation ...... 13

To Build Cross-Line Interdepency to Promote Peaceful Coexistence ...... 14

V. Impact (Monitoring & Evaluation) ...... 16

VI. Administration and Logistics ...... 18

Human Resources...... 18

Finance ...... 18

Logistics ...... 18

Annex A: Financial Information (For Internal USAID Use Only) ...... 19

Annex B: Schedule of Upcoming Events ...... 20

Annex C: Region-Specific Information ...... 23

Annex D: Progress on Indicator Targets ...... 24

Annex E: Success Story ...... 25

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) ii I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

VISTAS substantially increased the implementation rate of the Transition Activities Pool (TAP) during the third quarter (Q3) of FY17, despite continuation of political, security and economic challenges. The quarter saw a diminishing importance of the Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCISS) but a surge of attention directed to the National Dialogue by President Kiir. Fighting declined in parts of the Equatorias, Upper Nile and Unity States, but insecurity remained. Security in Juba remained stable, and VISTAS international staff operated normally both within Juba and in the field. The President removed Paul Malong as SPLA Chief of Staff in May with additional shake ups within the military. Q3 saw continued weakening of the economy with the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) devaluing to 150:1 against the US Dollar (USD), from 140:1 at the start of the quarter (the official bank rate stands at 135:1).

During Q3, VISTAS cleared 71 SUMMARY OF VISTAS PROGRAMMING activities valued at $5.8 million and Total # of Activities Cleared in FY17 Q3 71 disbursed over $3 million on Average Grant Size $83,564 programming. Total Value of Activities Cleared in FY17 Q3 $5,833,105

Program Funds Disbursed FY17 Q3 $3,030,992 In NBeG, the team supported the Program Funds Disbursed To Date $ 25,739,802 border migration conferences and agreements and began the process for capacity building of the Joint Border Peace Development Committee. Stability continued, as the region witnessed another largely peaceful cattle migration from Sudan into South Sudan over the dry season even though the border with Sudan remained officially closed and the devaluation of the SSP caused prices to remain high in the market. This led to sustained food insecurity and a continued exodus of citizens migrating north to Sudan.

In Lakes State, VISTAS supported a large livestock migration conference in Mvolo in partnership with UNMISS Civil Affairs Division, bringing in the leaders of the five affected states of Yirol West, Western Lakes, Gok, Amadi and Terekeka . The participants successfully executed an agreement to support peaceful migration. The President’s reappointment of Matur Chut as Governor seemed to backfire as widespread insecurity has broken out in the Dinka Agar populated areas of the region.

In Unity, VISTAS team successfully partnered with IOM in the Bentiu PoC to construct a Community Resource Center. A library of books is being provided through a follow-on grant. The team also completed the compound for The Africa Mission Assistance (AMA), an organization working on peace building in South Unity for the last 15 years. The political and security situation in Unity State remained largely calm.

In Upper Nile, the program carried out a large Bentiu, Nasir, Fangak, and Akobo (BNFA) Nuer Association conference in Pagak, which brought over 400 Nuer leaders from those areas to address and resolve the divisions between all the Nuer communities is Greater Upper Nile. The government remained in control of Malakal town and carried out offensives on the west bank to overtake Wau Shilluk and Kodok resulting in displacement of large Shilluk populations.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 1 In Jonglei, VISTAS brought together 60 Dinka and Nuer community representatives, including 18 women in Duk Padiet, to carry out a series of coordinated workshops on trade, customary law, and inter-ethnic violence along the ethnically divided areas in the region. Armed fighting in western Akobo (Watt area) led to a temporary cessation of activities in eastern Akobo, including relocation of staff in our Akobo office for a few weeks in May. Although a few projects were delayed, work has since resumed and the office is fully operational.

In Juba, the team continued to focus on support to key media groups such as Radio Tamazuj, Eye Radio, and Juba Monitor, increasing access to accurate information to an estimated 1 million listeners in South Sudan (Eye Radio estimates). In addition, VISTAS sponsored peace events in Juba, such as the Hagana Festival organized by the Ana Taban group.

VISTAS carried out the bulk of its infrastructure grants during the Q3 dry season months of April – June. Access to the sites is difficult once the rains begin in earnest from July onward. These projects - worth over $2 million - included Traditional Authority Courts, Women’s Centers, Youth Centers, and a boat dock.

During Q3, 709 participants attended the Morning Star Trauma Awareness sessions, of which 397 were women. Participants of the activities described the trauma awareness programming as timely and necessary for South Sudan. Ten new master trainers were recruited and commenced training in June 2017, bringing the total to 23. Including four female master trainers. Each of the regional offices will have at least two Moring Star trainers as VISTAS further integrates trauma awareness and training into its Transition Activities Pool.

II. POLITICAL AND SECURITY LANDSCAPE

NATIONAL POLITICAL AND SECURITY LANDSCAPE During the third quarter of the FY17 the political landscape remained fairly stable. On the Military front the big move was the removal of Paul Malong (PM) as Chief of General Staff, which led to several days of high tension. PM then tried to leave Juba and allegedly wanted to head for his home area of Aweil. He was stopped at Yirol and after several days of negotiation he returned to Juba where he still remains. The national dialogue gained some traction after its initial issues when several leading opposition figures turned down positions on the committee, the most notable being Rebecca de Garang. The committee finally meet and set up sub committees to work in specific areas. One interesting point here was that President Kiir removed himself from the committee. The IO Machar faction has made it clear they will not take part in the process unless their leader was released from house arrest in South Africa.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 2 The main concerns during the reporting period were, the inter communal clashes that took place with the Lakes region being the worst effected where citizens were displaced due to fighting between cattlemen in the Gok , Rumbek East & Rumbek Central areas . Currently extra National Security troops are carrying out a disarming operation in the state.

In Juba, little changed over the reporting period. Local staff reported an increase in attacks in residential areas with UN & NGO local national workers being targeted along with local businessmen. There were no major issues with the team’s security apart from an incident where one vehicle was stopped by an individual The map shows the intensity of incidents within South Sudan from April - June, red areas claiming that they were show high level of incident activity, yellow medium and green low. The information is national security. One drawn from various reporting systems, UN, NGO, media and open source. international staff member lost his phone.

POLITICAL & SECURITY LANDSCAPE IN VISTAS REGIONAL OFFICES Central Equatoria State (Juba): The media landscape has continued to deteriorate throughout the quarter with continued rejection of foreign journalist’s applications for visas and media accreditation, as well as some more blatant intimidation. The South Sudan Union of Journalist reports 15 incidents of abuses (beatings, detention) against local journalists over the past four months. There have been some recent positive signs, such as the release of George Livio a Radio Miraya journalist – possibly linked to the government’s desire to have Alfred Taban of the Juba Monitor and AMDISS sit on the National Dialogue Steering Committee.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 3 Clipping from The Juba Monitor on June 27 shows an AP story documenting media censorship and harassment.

The above point, as well as the President’s decision to remove himself as the “patron” of the National Dialogue, seem to point to the government’s recognition that the Dialogue currently lacks credibility and that they would like to change perceptions of it. It is too early to tell if the government has a renewed seriousness about seeking peace – or if it is merely attempting to improve its image to garner more international support.

Similarly – the removal of General Paul Malong as the Chief of Staff of the SPLA could be seen as opening up to reconciliation – however, concerns are that it was merely the culmination of internal power struggles among the ruling Dinka clique. Regardless, his removal should be viewed positively, whatever the motives, as he is largely viewed as one of the biggest perpetrators and enablers of abuses against non-Dinka citizens and his presence was believed to be undermining reconciliation efforts.

Lakes - During the reporting period, the greater Lakes region experienced increased intercommunal hostility. There were several cases of cattle rustling, and intra-ethnic fighting between Amuoth-nhom of Rumbek Center and Athuoi of Rumbek East. Rumbek North County experienced several clashes between Rup community of Rumbek Center and Pakam section of Rumbek North counties. The cause of the fighting was reported to be cattle rustling and revenge killings that led to high tensions between these two communities, and resulted in the deaths of over 50 people.

Jonglei - The Greater Bor area continued to face heightened intercommunal tension and fighting on two different fronts, involving the Murle on one hand and with the Mundari community on the other. In April and May, the Greater Bor youth mobilized and invaded Manyabol and Nanaam areas of Boma

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 4 State, attacking and looting villages, going much deeper than their February-March incursion earlier this year into Murle land. The Dinka youth later withdrew in Mid-May after assurance of the return of raided cattle and abducted kids. In late May, youth leaders from the two communities, plus representatives of local and state authorities, were transported by UNMISS to Juba where a ceasefire was signed, with a commitment of an intercommunal peace conference to follow in a months’ time, which has, so far, not come into fruition.

While signing of cessation of hostilities agreement that outlined specific actions to be taken by the two communities was seen as a logical first step to initiate intercommunity peace dialogue, it is unlikely to succeed as the warring groups are not convinced in the government’s ability to positively influence peace process as has been demonstrated over the last years with the two communities continuing to raid cattle, abduct children and women, and kill civilians.

Fighting in Uror County between the government forces and SPLA-IO continued and intensified during this reporting period as the two parties sought to seize control of strategic locations in Greater Akobo before the start of the rainy season. Government forces that had been occupying Yuai since February, took over the strategic town of Waat. While SPLA-IG attempted to capitalize on the success of the Waat operation and seize control of nearby Lankien (north of Waat), the attempts were repulsed by SPLA-IO and White Army youth. In mid-May, the government relocated a significant number of troops from Waat to Yuai. While the government continues to control Waat, Greater Akobo is largely under IO control.

Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBeG) - The region remained generally quiet but there were reports of a new rebel group attacking a Police post. This new rebel group known as the South Sudan Patriotic Army (SSPA) led by Lt. Gen. Agany Abdel-Baqi Ayii Akol, a Dinka by ethnicity from Aweil East. Compared to many rebel groups that have emerged in the last two years, this new rebel group is seemingly more equipped and well organized, showing that the group could be sponsored or supported by powerful individuals or governments. The rebels operate in VISTAS programming areas and if their disruption along the Majok Yith Thieu – Meirum road which links Sudan and South Sudan continues our activities might be affected adversely.

The sacking of Paul Malong ignited political confrontations between his supporters and his political adversaries in the region. His downfall has seen a shift of decades of political dominion in the region. The actions against the supporters of the former army chief of staff is causing friction within the region and has the potential of destabilizing a historically calm region.

Unity – Following successful government military campaigns in Northern Lich state in the past dry season legacy Unity State has been quiet from a political and security standpoint. The last military engagements in Leer County in May of this year were disruptive to programming but have since quietened and no longer promise to cause difficulties in the short term.

Two factors that do promise to influence the operating environment but in a positive way are the solidified position of the Northern Lich governor, Joseph Monytuil and the reappointment of General Stephen Buay as Commander of Division 4. An emboldened Monytuil finally accepted an invite to visit

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 5 President Kiir after multiple refusals signifying that he is confident that he will not be replaced as governor confirming the place of the Bul Nuer as state power brokers over Taban Deng’s Jikany Nuer. Secondly, the return of the widely liked and respected Buay could signify a shift to a more conciliatory stance toward “rebel” civilians (in the PoC and otherwise) on the part of the local and national government. Buay was fired from the same role in Dec 2015 for clamping down on abuses by the SPLA and fostering closer relations with IO affiliated civilians.

Upper Nile – This quarter witnessed the continuation of government military (SPLA) offensives on the west bank of the White Nile, resulting in massive displacement of the Shilluk population and significant weakening of the SPLA-IO. The government restricted access to the contested areas, making programming impossible for VISTAS and humanitarian partners. Meanwhile, the government’s firm control over regions surrounding Malakal increased the feasibility of programming beyond the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site on the east side of the Nile. The governor of Central Upper Nile state urged inhabitants of the PoC to return to their homes, claiming that no harm would come to civilians of any ethnic group. While increasing numbers of displaced Shilluk can and do enter town on occasion, very few IDPs have moved back to SPLA-occupied areas on either side of the Nile.

In eastern Upper Nile, during this reporting period, the SPLA made two attempts to seize IO-controlled territory in Longochuk. Neither attempt was successful, but there is growing apprehension among the eastern Nuer about the possibility of future attacks. Adding to this anxiety, a spate of cattle raids between the Gajiok and Gajaak Jikany Nuer sub-clans has rendered the IO’s support-base more vulnerable. The Gajaak claim that Gajiok raiders were encouraged and even enabled by the government, contributing to a potentially explosive situation that the broader Nuer population fear can be easily manipulated by the government.

III. PROGRAM STRATEGY

VISTAS understands that there are three levels of interconnected conflict in South Sudan: 1) conflict between the political and military elites in the SPLM/A & SPLM/A-IO; 2) community-level conflict often centered on access to resources (including cattle, land, pasture, and water); and, 3) conflicts characterized as ‘citizen vs state,’ impacting populations that feel marginalized and aggrieved by the national or state level governments.

VISTAS supports both national and local-level stabilization and transition efforts targeted at recovery by mitigating political and social volatility and reducing vulnerability to violence. VISTAS operates in six regions (Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Unity and Upper Nile) that are critical to the political stability of the country. The program strategically places its offices to help local partners advance peace by seizing critical windows of opportunity.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 6 The crowd at Nyakuron Cultural Center during the Hagana Festival.

VISTAS works through the following objectives: I. To increase space and tools to manage conflict and tensions. II. To promote a more informed community. III. To build cross-line interdependency to promote peaceful coexistence. IV. To engage communities in trauma awareness to lay the foundation for healing and reconciliation.

Along with the overall objectives, each of the six regions develop their own regional strategy that identifies the key contextual issues and sub-objectives to address those issues, in line with the overall VISTAS objectives. During Q3 regions continued to pursue activities adherent to their strategies developed for FY17 during Q1 without much change.

The Juba Team made progress with its project, Improved Human Rights Violation Documentation and Advocacy: VISTAS identified a qualified consultant to research and review current documentation efforts to strengthen its understanding of - and to identify interventions in - the sector as a whole.

VISTAS also completed the onboarding of a three-person Roving Team which will support partners with a light-footprint model outside of VISTAS traditional work areas. Currently that team is planning follow- on support for the Inter-Faith Group in Yambio, and is also looking to engage key peace partners, such as CEPO, in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 7 IV. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

TO INCREASE SPACE AND TOOLS TO MANAGE CONFLICT AND TENSIONS VISTAS uses peace dialogues to reaffirm the legitimacy of community leadership and customary authorities, particularly to mitigate conflicts and manage local agreements, often over shared natural resources and access to markets. VISTAS reinforces progress in strengthening inter-communal relationships through peace dialogues, and by supporting follow-on activities that provide mutual economic and social benefits to communities. Under this objective, VISTAS cleared 30 projects worth $2,201,104 in FY17 Q3. Some of the key activities under this objective are highlighted below.

VISTAS co-funded the Ana Taban Hagana Festival along with the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Department. The arts festival featured music, theater, and cultural dance, as well as local artworks and handicrafts. The event was held at Nyakuron Cultural Center on May 20 and was attended by an estimated 5,000 people. The activities increased positive interaction among youth from different communities in an effort to bridge the divide amongst different ethnicities in South Sudan, and encourage the role of youth as peace makers. One attendee said the festival “felt like part of a united South Sudan”. Following the success of this event, VISTAS developed a follow-on grant aimed at providing key equipment, material and logistical support to Ana Taban. This support will allow them to conduct multiple events in Juba, South Sudan and the East African region. Ana Taban’s events focus on peace messages expressed through music, painting, poetry and visual arts.

School children view a performance at the Hagana Festival, in Nyakuron’s indoor theater.

In partnership with the Gender Equity and Women’s Leadership Program (GEWLP), VISTAS supported PoC lectures to reduce militarization and violent tendencies in the Juba PoC. The activity was designed to contribute to a possible healing between communities and reintegration of PoC residents into Juba in the long-term.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 8 VISTAS in Lakes supported a series of preparatory migration conferences in three states (Gok, Eastern and Western Lakes State) of Lakes region targeting cattle camps and farmers along migratory routes. The dialogues sought to increase participation of pastoral communities in preparation of a safer animal migration season that is normally associated with increased tensions and is a key component in the conflict between farming populations and pastoral communities. Local community leaders, local Safer Cattle Migration Group Discussion – Mvolo County – May 2017. government officials, church leaders, youth and women groups participated in various consultative and preparatory meetings in their respective routes, which were selected by a state level animal migratory committee established previously. The total number of beneficiaries reached was over 1,000 pastoral and farmers’ households along the migratory routes of Lakes State.

Towards the end of the quarter, VISTAS in collaboration with UNMISS brought together five state governments of Amadi, Terekeka, Gok, Western and Eastern Lakes states for a joint interstate conference in Mvolo, Amadi State. A number of resolutions were reached as state governments recognized cattle related conflict was the trigger for widespread conflict across the borders. The representatives recognized the existence of cyclical cattle raiding across the borders and agreed to Community Dialogues Group Photo – Pre - Migration Meeting in Gok State. regulate cattle migration in a peaceful and coordinated approach. Further, they agreed to jointly respond to cross border conflicts as a unified front.

Cognizant of the vital role youth play either as stakeholders or spoilers in peace building efforts, in Q3 VISTAS team in Northern Bahr el Ghazal supported a local martial arts (Taekwondo) school in Aweil. The trainings were carried out from January 26 to April 7 2017 with the objective of engaging idle and out of school youth in sports activities that promote peaceful co-existence among the communities. Over fifty (50) youth were trained.

VISTAS in NBeG also supported dissemination campaigns during this quarter for the pre-migration

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 9 conferences’ resolutions between Dinka Malual – Rizeigat and Dinka Malual – Misseriya. The dissemination activities were conducted from March 17 to April 19, 2017 in fifty-two different locations along the livestock migration routes, twenty-six locations along the Misseriya pastoralist migration routes in Aweil East County, and twenty-six locations along the Rizeigat pastoralist migration routes in Aweil North, West and Center counties. A total of 5,320 participants (3,138 male and 2,182 female) attended the meetings to learn what was discussed and agreed upon during the pre-migration conferences. They addressed concerns the Arab pastoralist communities and Dinka Malual host communities had prior to this year’s migration season.

During the reporting period, the VISTAS team in Bentiu supported the training of traditional lawmakers from Panyijiar County in statutory law from legal experts in South Sudanese traditional laws. Attendance was high, and participants were highly desirous and appreciative of the training. This activity was a follow-on to a previous activity entitled Prevention of Revenge Killing through Consultative Dialogues in Panyijar. There had been a significant gap in the local conflict management apparatus. In successfully filling this gap through these activities VISTAS demonstrated its responsiveness to community needs and ability to effectively deliver requested programming to help reduce conflict.

In Pagak, VISTAS through the Nuer Community Association brought together 200 influential Nuer leaders from across the country to attend a 3-day conference to de-escalate militia mobilization and to counter indiscriminate violence in reducing atrocities and civilian casualties in war. The conference produced resolutions that are being disseminated throughout the Nuer-lands. The Bentiu, Nasir, Fangak, and Akobo Nuer Association (BNFA) delegation formed during the conference is currently attempting to mediate between Jikany sub-clans in Nasir.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 10 Delegations of Nuer leaders from Bentiu, Nasir, Fangak, and Akobo at the BNFA conference in Pagak.

TO PROMOTE A MORE INFORMED COMMUNITY VISTAS promotes access to reliable and trustworthy information for communities in critical areas, with the goal of mitigating political manipulation and misinformation that could lead to further tensions and conflict. In FY17 Q3, VISTAS cleared fourteen activities totaling $1,274,352 under this objective.

Most of these activities provided critical operational support to media outlets. The program’s support increased these entities’ ability to provide objective and reliable information, and increased the size and diversity of the audiences they reach.

In Juba, VISTAS support for the Juba Monitor newspaper commenced on April 1, 2017 and will last until April 30, 2018. VISTAS is providing a cash grant to cover the bulk of the Monitor’s printing costs and hopes to work with them to improve their quality and sustainability. This comes at a time when both the economic situation and media repression are leading to losses in the media sector. VISTAS support has been critical for the Juba Monitor to maintain publishing in the short-term and to explore greater plans for sustainability. Following Alfred Taban’s appointment and sub-sequent acceptance to sit on the National Dialogue Steering Committee, the Monitor has used its platform to more adamantly hold the government to account.

During the reporting period, VISTAS continued to support the shortwave radio broadcasts of both Eye Radio and Radio Tamazuj. Tamazuj is one of the most independent and reliable media outlets in South Sudan. Their nationwide coverage of South Sudan, encompassing both national and local news, is unparalleled, and shortwave service allows this news coverage to reach even the most remote parts of the country. Radio Tamazuj through both its shortwave broadcasts in Arabic and its English language website is a critical source of information in South Sudan. This support places VISTAS in a pivotal position as we are supporting the only two shortwave broadcasts focused on South Sudan.

In Q3, VISTAS completed the first of two “terms” of VISTAS-supported university level lectures in Juba PoC. This is now the third follow-on grant from VISTAS to GEWLP within Juba PoC. Over 300 students registered for the first term of courses. Offered courses included: English grammar and literature (taught by Juba University professors), basic computer courses, and a South Sudan culture and heritage course (all

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 11 taught by qualified PoC residents). The second term will begin in FY18 Q1. The grantee GEWLP is a high capacity and well networked grantee in Juba and is known for several initiatives within the PoC.

During this reporting period VISTAS team in Jonglei supported a Peace Journalism Training for radio journalists in Bor. The training was aimed at improving the capacity of 30 radio journalists from Radio Jonglei 95.9FM in Bor and Pibor Community Radio in Pibor through a 30-day media training in support of accurate, balanced, and impartial journalism. The training consisted of five-day training on theory and 25-day on- Journalists attending peace journalism training in Bor. the-job practical training. The training covered the following themes: (1) Conflict sensitive reporting and news programming with emphasis on accurate, balanced, objective, and impartial journalism, (2) Script writing, radio programming, audio production and news collection and production, (3) Investigating reporting and political journalism, and (4) Financial marketing, radio station management and monetization via advertisement and donors' support. The training and improved working conditions of journalists would greatly enhance the profile of the two radio stations as centers for intra and inter-community peaceful interaction in Jonglei State.

Supporting their objective of promoting a more informed community, the VISTAS team in Lakes brought together local Journalists and local authorities from the greater Lakes states for a 5-day training in Human Rights Journalism and media laws and codes of conduct. The aim of the training was to increase the local journalists’ understanding of the roles they play in their communities and society, and promote objective reporting. Over 75 local journalists completed the training and 25 representatives from each of the newly created states of Local Journalists Group Photo – Gok State Gok, Eastern and Western Lakes States attended the training. South Sudanese media and human rights practitioners conducted the training.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 12 TO ENGAGE COMMUNITIES IN TRAUMA AWARENESS TO LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALING AND RECONCILIATION Through the Morning Star program, VISTAS helps communities to understand how trauma has perpetuated historical inter-communal tensions and begins to bridge these divides, paving the way to reconciliation.

During this quarter, Morning Star activities mainly consisted of training on trauma awareness tools, street theatre performance on trauma awareness topics, and integrating morning star activities in mainstream VISTAS programming. In FY17 Q3, VISTAS cleared 14 activities totaling $1,536,763 under this objective.

In FY17 Q3, VISTAS Morning Star program provided ongoing technical and psychological support for Morning Star Master Trainers in Kigali, Rwanda from May 1-13, 2017. All thirteen Master Trainers, as well as two Morning Star national staff participated in the training. The training consisted of two parts; a.) Psychological debriefing session to address secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and re-traumatization that might have occurred during the implementation of various Morning Star trauma Morning Star Master Trainers observing the Wall of Names in Kigali Genocide awareness tools across South Memorial, as part of the study tour of the In-Service Training. Kigali, Rwanda, May 4, 2017. Sudan; and b.) Review and discuss technical aspects of the curriculum and facilitation skills to ensure a deeper comprehension of the content and standardize content delivery and presentation. In addition, the trainers took study visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial and memorial centers in villages Ntarama and Nyamata. The visits supported subsequent discussions to learn from the historical context of Rwandan genocide and Rwandan experience in peace-building, reconciliation, resilience and renewal.

The population of Bentiu PoC in Unity State rests at approximately 120,000 people, many of whom have been residents for almost three years. Thousands of young children have spent most if not all of their lives in the camp and have no conception of a normal environment. Life in the PoC is constrained and often featureless, offering residents little outlet for productive endeavor. The same is also true of PoC sites in Malakal and Juba. Realizing the importance of a productive outlet for the youth and children in the PoC, in May, the VISTAS Unity team brought a team of clowns from Clowns Without Borders South Africa (and affiliates in Sweden, America, and Brazil) to South Sudan to carry out performances in Bentiu, Malakal and Juba PoCs. The crowds and workshop participants in the PoC’s thoroughly enjoyed

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 13 the shows and lauded the clowns for providing a reprieve for the children and youth the in PoC’s from the difficulties of their daily lives.

Mayik, a Juba PoC resident was quoted as saying: “If they didn’t come here we can think a lot about things that affect them, now I have watched and I am happy because I don’t think about other things.” Mayik recalled that back home he would often get annoyed because of the things he thinks about. “It is good to be happy, and I thank them for coming, now, I am happy because they entertained me,” he said. Clowns without Borders performing in Bentiu POC.

TO BUILD CROSS-LINE INTERDEPENCY TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE Promoting trade and economy around livestock is effective in connecting communities and generating mutual benefits and relationships across communities in conflict in South Sudan. Communities have resisted mobilization for violence across fault lines because of their increasing need for interdependency. In FY17 Q3, VISTAS cleared thirteen activities totaling $820,886 under this objective.

VISTAS team in Unity supported a local NGO organization, Action for Conflict Resolutions (ACR) to conduct community peace dialogues in Mayendit. The dialogues were aimed at mitigating conflict within Mayendit communities (Kuei, Baek, Jalok) by organizing peace dialogues across-conflict lines around contentious issues (i.e. ethnic killing, cattle raiding, rape, revenge, destruction of settlements/homes, Mayendit County Elders are guided through discussions on regional conflict issues. trade, intra and inter-clans relationships) in order to alleviate suffering. VISTAS capitalized on a window of opportunity as this activity represented the first foray into the area since 2013, and despite major logistical, security, and programmatic challenges the team alongside the grantee, ACR, were able to implement the project. The activity was marginally delayed by armed clashes in Mayendit town in February 2017 but the team was eventually able to broker talks between rival sub clans in the Mayendit area in May. The introduction of VISTAS as a new development

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 14 organization in the area was greeted with appreciation and the community was quick to bring to VISTAS attention significant gaps that existed in the area, thus providing future programming opportunities. This was the first grant by the Bentiu field office to utilize a new methodology designed to expand the geographical reach of the Unity team without overly stretching resources by relying more on high- capacity grantees as was in this case of ACR.

Participants pose for a group photo after receiving their t-shirts and caps at the end of a successful dialogue.

In June, VISTAS team in Jonglei conducted a Dinka-Nuer Post Migration Conference in Duk Padiet, this activity supported a three day conference which included the provision of material support, logistics, refreshment, and meals to 60 participants. This enabled key Dinka and Nuer stakeholders to discuss critical migration matters such as seasonal grazing access, migration routes, resources, regulations, trade and security, as well as how current events adversely affected the annual migration. Also during this quarter, the VISTAS team in Jonglei suppoted a Dinka and Nuer traditional leaders’ peace meeting in Duk Padiet. VISTAS in partnership with UNDP, conducted the two-day consultative peace dialogue that brought together traditional chiefs, youth representatives, women and traders, from Hol and Nyarweng Dinka of Duk County, Gawaar Nuer of Ayod and Lou Nuer of Uror. The activity helped to build cross- line interdependency by providing Dinka and Nuer communities with an opportunity to discuss and explore options to address issues of: intercommunal conflict over cattle theft; revenge attacks; free movement of goods and people; deep-seated mistrust, hostilities, and suspicion owing to localized conflict; and national conflict pitting the government and the SPLM-IO against each other.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 15

Participants of the Dinka-Nuer Post Migration Conference.

V. IMPACT (MONITORING & EVALUATION)

During the reporting period, a series of migratory conferences were held to address the cattle related conflict between the Equatorias and greater Lakes States. These resulted in an interstate conference that brought together five governors who reached a number of resolutions to be implemented in the coming quarter, such as establishment of the cross-border cattle migration committees to regulate cattle migration to and from Mvolo in Amadi (Western Equatoria) and the greater Lakes States, and establishment of local border courts to address the migratory related conflicts in Gok, Amadi, Western and Eastern Lakes states. At the grassroots level, over 10 different targeted migratory cattle routes have working migratory committees which were established during the dialogues. These committees which are managing soft migrations, have already addressed incidents of migratory conflicts. Through discussions with various chiefs and community leaders VISTAS determined that the dialogues between elders from Panyijiar in southern Unity and Amokpiny in Lakes, led to the resolution of conflicts over cattle raids and revenge killings preventing any further revenge attacks. Leaders involved in the peace dialogues expressed a newfound determination to engage with opposing leaders outside of their region, reinvigorating inter-ethnic (Dinka, Equatorian and Nuer) interaction.

During the reporting period, VISTAS supported three main sources of information – Juba Monitor, Eye Radio and Radio Tamazuj. Each of these represent independent voices that both hold the government to account and provide critical information to the South Sudanese which keeps them informed and better able to make decisions. While it is hard to judge impact in terms of readership/listenership and how the programming influenced people – what can be stated is that three sources of information remain available to the public due to VISTAS support. The Juba Monitor was on the brink of closure due to finances prior to VISTAS funding, while VISTAS funding was critical to both Eye Radio and Radio Tamazuj shortwave broadcasts. The funding helps cover staff and broadcast costs to keep the shortwave programming on air and available to over one million South Sudanese1.

1 Eye Radio provided figure which hasn’t been independently verified by VISTAS.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 16

The M&E team continued to gauge the impact of the program activities and therefore, conducted a cluster evaluation of the 40 completed and closed VISTAS infrastructure activities throughout South Sudan. Data collection has been completed for the evaluation and final reports will be completed by the next quarter. In addition, to improve the capacity of the local M&E team in data collection and M&E processes, a four-day training was conducted for nine participants from the M&E and Information teams in Juba from June 6 to 9. During the training topics on quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and data management, Theories of Change, Indicators were covered.

The VISTAS Upper Nile team in Malakal succeeded in bringing Shilluk and Dinka together to build a compound for a local women’s empowerment NGO in Malakal town. The subcontractor was getting frustrated with the lack of skilled labor in Malakal town which presented a window of opportunity allowing VISTAS staff to negotiate the incorporation of an inter-ethnic (Shilluk) labor force in Malakal town. This is the first time groups from the PoC, predominantly Shilluk, worked with counterparts in Malakal, predominantly Dinka, and constituted a very important step forward towards lasting peace in the region.

Shilluk and Dinka construction workers build an office for a local women’s association.

Some of the participant quotes from there sessions were:  Male participant regarding a female facilitator - “I personally didn’t think of you managing to stand in front of us and teach us (group of men) looking at what and how our culture looks at women, but you are very different, knowledgeable and very strong and you were able to stay around despite the

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 17 security threats in our area” D.P., participant from Bentiu.  “The session on Unhealed Trauma helped me to remember rough times I had with someone whom we have never talked for three years now. I have realized that, I acted out against him. Yesterday I called him on phone for the first time to apologize and the discussion was cordial. I have no wards to express my joy VISTAS”. Female participant from Juba training.  “I am very happy to receive trauma awareness training as it would help me and other female participants break cycle of violence mostly happening at water point.” M.N. participant from Malakal PoC.

VI. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

HUMAN RESOURCES VISTAS welcomed Mr. Chase Madden as the new Roving RPM in May, covering the Equatorias and parts of Western Bahr Ghazal. This marked the completion of the three-member Roving team which also includes a Regional Program Development Coordinator and a Finance/Grants Specialist.

The program added two new long-term positions in June, filled by Ms. Sarah Schell and Ms. Maureen Nealon, who were both working previously in the VISTAS Home Office. Ms. Schell will serve as the Program Support Officer and Ms. Nealon as the Grants Management and Compliance Officer.

FINANCE Q3 saw major improvements in the work flow of the Finance department. VISTAS switched from banking with KCB to Ecobank, which significantly shortened the time required to send payments to vendors. In June 2017, the department reported an overall expenditure of $2.2m dollars, which was the highest ever recorded for a one-month period by the program.

The department also added three new staff to reduce the workload on the Finance Manager and Director, as per the recommendations of the finance consultant’s report during Q2.

Going forward, funds transfer to the remote field locations will be a challenge given that KCB, which had branches in all the former ten states, has been affected by the soaring inflation. As of June 30, 2017, the bank closed most of its regional branches except those in Wau and Aweil. This will affect future transfers of funds to all other locations. Consequently, the department will resort to using FOREX services to send funds to the field locations, which is expected to come at an additional operational cost to the program.

LOGISTICS During Q3, the Juba office increased its internet bandwidth capacity. This resulted in a marked improvement in file download and transfer speeds through Outlook and the OneSource filing system.

VISTAS also improved the internet bandwidth for all six field offices and has since faced less delays in uploading and transferring grantee documentation from the field sites to the head office in Juba.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 18 ANNEX A: FINANCIAL INFORMATION (FOR INTERNAL USAID USE ONLY)

A B C D E F = C + D + E

Total Actual, Projected Total Approved Obligated Costs Incurred Projections Accruals Expenditures through

Budget (Mod 11) Amount through Invoice 45 FY17 Q4 June 2017 FY17Q4, and June Accruals

Project Management Costs $ 56,577,951 $54,320,260 $37,401,288 $2,683,360

TAP $50,042,568 $32,911,991 $24,482,921 $1,673,522

Fixed Fee $ 3,858,436 $3,698,000 $2,578,049 $163,161

TOTAL $ 110,478,955 $90,930,251 $64,462,258 $4,520,043 $3,000,000 $71,982,301

Budget Lines:

Project Management Costs = direct contractor activity (and indirect costs). Operational costs are inclusive of grant handling charge. TAP = TAP STTA, Training, DDGS, GUC and Construction Column A – Represents the Total Estimated Cost (TEC) per the award. Column B – Obligated Amount represents the amount obligated per the latest modification/amendment. Column C – Costs expended and paid by the Contractor that have been billed to USAID. Costs incurred to date should be within the last 30 days or latest date available. Column D – Projected expenditures for the associated period. Column E – Accruals for June 2017. Column F – Total Actual and Projected Expenditures for the associated period and June 2017 accruals.

Viable Support To Transition and Stability (VISTAS) Q3 FY2017 Quarterly Report

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 19 ANNEX B: SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS

DATE LOCATION ACTIVITY Regional – Kenya, July 1-26, 2017 Uganda, Addis, and South Sudan Young Leader’s Forum Regional Consultations. South Sudan July 7-12, 2017 Arusha, Tanzania Inclusive Security Task Force Meeting July – September Nationwide Eye Radio and Radio Tamazuj Shortwave Broadcasts July – September Juba Juba Monitor – 6-days per week Mid-July - September Juba PoC Ongoing University Level Lectures in Juba PoC Ongoing support to the Inter-Faith Group in Yambio on July – September Yambio peacebuilding efforts (pending Green Light) Ongoing support to CEPO in Wau on peacebuilding efforts Mid-July – September Wau (in development) July 01 – Sept 30, Rumbek Center/East Peace messaging through the school’s peace clubs 2017 Counties All Counties – Yirol, July 10 – 30, 2017 Sports for Peace Activities - Peace Messaging Cueibet and Rumbek Dissemination of the Pre- Migration and Mvolo Peace July 01 – 30th 2017 Lakes State Conference resolutions Handing over of the Rumbek TAC/Women Resource July 20, 2017 Rumbek/Cueibet Centers in Cueibet and Rumbek July 10 – August 30, Lakes State Let’s build Our Nation – Peace Messaging – Radio Content 2017 June 26-30, 2017 Juba, South Sudan STAR I training for 10 new Master Trainers July 3-7, 2017 Juba, South Sudan Facilitation Skill Training for 10 new Master Trainers July 10-14, 2017 Juba, South Sudan MS TOT for 10 new Master Trainers Jun 1st – Sept 30th Construction of Gokmachar Youth Association (GMYA) Gokmachar 2017 office Jun 1st – Sept 30th Aroyo Construction of Aroyo Traditional Authority Court 2017 Jun 15th – Sept 30th Aweil town Livelihood and Capacity Building Experts for MACAHWA 2017 Jun 28th – Oct 30th Various Locations in NBeG - Trauma Awareness Sessions 2017 NBG Jul 1st – Oct 30th Wanyjok Dinka Malual – Misseriya Youths’ Vocational Training 2017 Jul 1st – Oct 30th Various Locations in NBGS Theatre for Peace 2017 NBG

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 20 Jul 1st – Oct 30th Aweil Town Construction of Resource Centre and JBPDA Office 2017 Jul 1st – Oct 30th Capacity Building for Traditional Authority Chiefs in Aweil Town 2017 Customary Laws Jul 1st – Oct 30th Aroyo Furnishing and Equipping Aroyo Traditional Authority Court 2017 Jul 1st – Oct 30th Various Locations in Support to vaccination campaigns and Peace Messaging in the 2017 NBG cattle camps of NBG Jul 15th – Oct 30th Various Locations in Improving Access to Information – NBG Radio Distribution 2017 NBG Region Leer and Thonyor, Leer Mid July Peace dialogues with UNIDO. County Late July Bentiu PoC Installation of Solar lights in PoC. Bentiu Town, Rubkona Mid-September Implementation of youth conflict management training Town Bentiu Town, Rubkona Mid-September Implementation of youth dialogue Town Late September Ganyliel Implementation of host – IDP dialogue Implementation of ongoing creation of Dinka and Nuer July – September Unity State, Juba language BBC programing Bentiu, Ganyliel, Nyal, Ongoing implementation of UNI048 Monthly Forums in all July – September Yirol, Rumbek East five locations Late July Akobo Lou – Jikany Nuer Post-Migration Conference in Akobo Late July – Early Lou Nuer - Murle Cross Border Peace Conference in Akobo August Akobo Late July – Early Greater Pibor Community Leaders Peace Dialogue Meeting Pibor August in Pibor Mid-August Pibor Murle Women Peace Conference in Pibor Late July Pibor Greater Pibor Age Set Peace Conference in Pibor Late July Akobo Construction of a Boat Dock in Akobo Early August Pibor Construction of a Traditional Authority Center in Vertet June 27 – July 31, 2017 Malakal PoC and Town Installation of solar Street Lights July 20 – 31, 2017 Renk, Melut, Maban Pastoral Migration Conference Series July 20 – August 31, Malakal PoC Radio Mast Installation 2017 July 1 Pagak Handover Ceremony for Nuer Instrumental Support July 1 – August 1 Pagak Gajaak-Burun Dialogue Series Small Arms Survey Workshop on Actors and Alliances in July 15-17 Nairobi South Sudan

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 21 June 14 – July 26, 2017 Bor Peace Journalism Training for Radio Journalists in Bor: Panyagor, Maar and June 20 – June 30, 2017 Peace building and conflict mitigation training in Panyagor, Wangulei Twic East County July 3 – 5, 2017 Bor Launching of the Greater Bor Dinka customary law book Construction and Furnishing of Traditional authority court Early July Duk Padiet center in Padiet Construction and Furnishing of Traditional authority court Early July Panyagor center in Panyagor July -Sept., 2017 Bor, Kolnyang, Anyidi Trauma awareness training Furnishing of Bortown Traditional authority court center in Mid-July Bor Bortown Construction and Furnishing of Traditional authority court Late June Anyidi center in Anyidi Rehabilitation and furnishing of Jonglei State Women Center Late July Pakwau in Pakwau

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 22 ANNEX C: REGION-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

71 CLEARED GRANTS FY17 Q3 NBG UPPERNILE 11% 17%

UNITY LAKES 16% 8%

MORNING STAR 10%

JUBA JONGLEI 11% 27%

26 COMPLETED ACTIVITIES FY17 Q3

MORNING STAR UNITY 8% 16% JONGLEI 18%

LAKES NBG 3% 26%

JUBA 29%

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 23 ANNEX D: PROGRESS ON INDICATOR TARGETS

Q3, FY17 FY17 Total Target (for Q3, FY17 Achievement FY17 INDICATOR the entire Achievement to Date Targets program) Number of new groups or initiatives created through USG funding, dedicated to 15 26 66 50 resolving the conflict or the drivers of conflict. Number of people participating in USG- supported events, training, or activities 6,300 35,955 53,758 20,710 designed to build mass support for peace and reconciliation. Number of USG-assisted campaigns and programs to enhance public understanding, 5 4 11 17 NGO support, and media coverage of judicial independence and accountability. Number of local women participating in a substantive role or position in a peace 35% 35% 32% 35% building process supported with USG assistance

Number of consensus building forums held with USG assistance that end in agreement 6 7 22 20

Number of initiatives or events that include peace messaging or increase access to 12 25 98 45 information among communities Number of beneficiaries with improved access to critical infrastructure, such as 5,000 500 6,4172 15,000 service delivery, trade and training

2 Due to the ongoing conflict in some programmatic areas, onset of the rainy season, and infrastructure projects just finishing in certain areas, VISTAS’ ability to determine the total number of actual beneficiaries was restricted. VISTAS anticipates that this number will be much higher than was planned originally, once the facilities are fully functional and being used by the grantees. There will be much better estimate of those numbers towards the end of Q4.

Q3 FY 2017 Quarterly Report | Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) 24 ANNEX E: SUCCESS STORY

Peace Engagement Days Provide Psychosocial Support to Protection of Civilian Site Residents

Many of the 3.8 million people who have been displaced from their homes in South Sudan by the civil war that erupted in December 2013 are experiencing depression, stress and the negative effects of traumatic events.

To help the displaced population living at the UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites in the capital, Juba, USAID is supporting peace and sports activities organized by the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), founded by actor and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation Forest Whitaker.

WPDI has organized more than 10 ‘peace engagement days’ at the Juba PoC sites, with sports competitions, cultural dances and focus group discussions about peace and reconciliation. USAID provided material support, including sports equipment for football, basketball and volleyball matches that are used daily by children and youth in the PoC site. Both peace engagement days and the general sports program have ways for the displaced population Young Angel’s Football Team from PoC 3 participating in sports. to interact with each other positively.

Majok Yien, a teacher at Hope Primary School in the PoC site and coach for the girls’ volleyball team, said that before sports were offered, fights often broke out between residents at the site. Football coach Tut Wuor said sports activities are important because they help release stress for a population facing significant stress. The drama performances and songs also provide uplifting entertainment for a population that has been uprooted from their homes and livelihoods.

Nyagai Jeremiah, a 13-year-old girl, was inspired to join the Young Angels girls’ football team when she saw a group of girls playing football on her way home from school. Whenever she plays football, she feels happy and finds relief from worrying about her problems. She became the team captain, and believes that playing games brings youth together. “I reconcile my age-mates when they fight because of the messages I have heard in these meetings and I am respected as the captain. Football, just like education, is a goal in life. You never know, I may play for some special team in the future.”

Since the program began in October 2016, the Sports Committee has held 16 football matches, volleyball tournaments, traditional dances and peace concerts. They regularly hold peace discussions and monitor community action plans. On January 13, for example, morning peace discussions focused on core values including discipline and team work, then a football match was held with youth from two PoC sites in Juba, attracting some 2,000 spectators from the community.

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U.S. Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov

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