Digital-era peacebuilding in South Sudan
South Sudan’s Undersecretary of Peacebuilding has urged peace actors to rethink their methods as artificial intelligence and social media rapidly reshape public debate and perceptions of stability, especially in election periods. The remarks were framed as a practical warning about fast-moving risks, not an abstract debate.
Peace Hub launch in Central Equatoria State
Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of a Peace Hub in Central Equatoria State, Pia Philip argued that peacebuilding must evolve in step with global trends. He presented adaptation as a continuous professional requirement, given how quickly information circulates and narratives can shift online.
Pia Philip on AI, social media and stability
“Things are changing every day because of the dynamics of AI and the dynamics of social media,” Pia Philip said. “We need to be updating ourselves on stability and peacebuilding all the time because things are running very fast.”
Elections, internet shutdowns and alternative options
Pia Philip noted that some countries have responded to election-related tensions by switching off the internet, aiming to limit misinformation or mobilisation that could trigger unrest. He suggested South Sudan should explore other tools that preserve access while still protecting public order.
Maintaining peace without restricting access
“We have seen, especially during elections, that some countries switch off the internet,” Pia Philip said. “But how can we go on without switching and still have a peaceful engagement?”
A long-term Peace Hub with regional ambitions
The Undersecretary described the Peace Hub as a long-term initiative, saying it could mature into a regional centre for peacebuilding. He referenced Ghana’s Kofi Annan Peace Centre as a point of inspiration, positioning the new structure as both practical and future-oriented.
Central Equatoria’s role in national peace efforts
Pia Philip called on the Central Equatoria State government to support completion of the project, presenting the state as strategically important to wider national peace objectives. “Peace can come to the Republic of South Sudan through Central Equatoria,” he said. “You have a lot to do.”
Election pressure: opportunity or risk
Looking ahead to the elections, Pia Philip said the process could consolidate peace if managed credibly, or deepen instability if mishandled. “The big elephant in the room now is the election,” he said. “Two phases of election can bring peace, and they can also bring more trouble.”
Call for peaceful political engagement
He urged political leaders, stakeholders and citizens to commit to peaceful participation and to build conditions for credible polls. “Everything good can only grow on a peaceful path,” he said. “Peacebuilding is a responsibility of everybody.” (Eye Radio)