complex challenges of state formation and governance capacity-building. Most
of these political leaders had merely switched their military uniforms to business
suits. Unable to fulfill responsibilities of their new political roles, most of these
leaders continued to focus on ethnic/tribal/factional disputes, with some officials
actively working against the efforts of others. Not surprisingly, civil war broke out
once again in mid-December 2013, and the continuing violence undermined/
overwhelmed governance activities thereafter. Numerous governance
structures/facilities that had been established in the states of Jonglei, Upper Nile,
and Unity were destroyed. Thousands of employees departed from national
government service and joined opposition groups. In short, relapse into conflict/
civil war has been an enormous setback to statebuilding, governance, and
service provision in South Sudan.
Overall, what was lacking in South Sudan was a concerted effort by the international community (United Nations) and regional organizations (e.g., African
Union) to establish good governance and security institutions, build peace among
conflicting factions, and involve government leaders in the strategies for aid
programs and eventual aid reduction/weaning.
Recommendation.
1. During post-conflict and stability interventions, encourage a concerted effort by
the international community and regional organizations to help the host nation
establish good governance & security institutions, build peace among conflicting
factions, and partner (with host nation leaders) on strategies for aid programs
and eventual aid reduction/weaning.
2. Meaningfully involve the host nation government in the design and execution
of all major aid projects, so that the government can track the projects to
completion, and, as appropriate, transition the projects to government
responsibility.
3. Finance projects that build on existing capacities at the lower tiers of
governmental administration; local ownership and community involvement are
critical.
4. Consider direct cash transfers to empower the poor and generate growth.
Cash transfers could be conditional and tied to desired outcomes, such as
completion of training, attending school, or receiving immunizations.
5. Encourage the host nation government at all levels to offer competitive
salaries for government positions – in order to attract quality personnel into
government service and to help retain them.
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