Panel 1
The Human Cost of War: the conflict’s impact and the urgent need for action
The world's youngest country, only seven years old. A war is being waged against its citizens, a war that crosses borders and has caused nearly 4 million people to flee their homes in fear.
More than 2 million have fled to neighbouring countries, mainly Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. The crisis has made it hard for people to plant crops, disrupted livelihoods and markets and forced host and displaced communities to share the little they do have. Last year famine was declared - the first famine anywhere in the world since 2011. Still, today, half the population now face extreme hunger.
Mama Rebecca Garang, Koti Emmily and Winnie Byanyima discuss the situation on the ground in South Sudan today, shedding light on the extent of the suffering and the human cost of the war in South Sudan.
Keynote -
Peace, Justice, and Inclusion - Women shaping the future in post conflict countries
Across Africa, women have led efforts to bring communities together and resolve conflict. In the South Sudan peace talks, an unprecedented number of women are now involved.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is United Nations Under-Secretary-General Executive Director of UN Women and a former Deputy President of South Africa. She has devoted her career to issues of human rights, equality and social justice. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka has worked in government and civil society, and with the private sector, and was actively involved in the struggle to end apartheid in her home country.
Panel 2
Confronting Impunity: Ensuring Accountabilty for Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Amidst the economic collapse, the famine, the large-scale forced displacement, the ethnic-based killing, the people of South Sudan face another epidemic: sexual and gender based violence.
Millions of victims are waiting for justice, while the government continues its use of blanket amnesties. The African Union and all the parties to the conflict in 2015 agreed to establish a new court to bring perpetrators to justice. The court has yet to be established. Survivors are still waiting for justice.
Shuvai Busuman Nyoni, Betty Sunday and Edmund Yakani discuss the crisis, what's been done so far, and what still needs to happen to ensure accountability for sexual and gender based violence.
Interview -
Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland before being appointed by Kofi Annan as the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights in 1997. She continues to champion human rights and social justice, including as a member of The Elders.
In this interview, you can expect incisive and compassionate insights into how other countries can and should support the people of South Sudan in their efforts to secure peace.
Interview -
Ababu Namwamba
Ababu Namwamba is Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya and the Kenyan Government's peace envoy for South Sudan. Outside politics he is a public interest attorney specialising in international human rights and constitutional law, and a former columnist.
In this interview, he will speak about the steps the Kenyan Government – and leaders across the region and African continent – can take to support the people of South Sudan.
Panel 3
Regional solidarity: what must other countries do for their youngest sibling?
While the women, children and men of South Sudan are suffering, warlords profit from their pain. Those who are driving the conflict – including the Government – are fighting for self-interest, not for national interest. This should be a matter of shame for Africa, but so far, little has been done to end the violence.
Oby Ezekwesili, Kumi Naidoo, and Prof. Pauline Riak discuss what South Sudan's neighbours can do to end the violence in South Sudan
Wrap up -
Taking Things Forward
The Sawa South Sudan summit is just the beginning. In this gathering, we link arms, and we walk forward together in solidarity with the people of South Sudan. There is a long way to go to peace.
Giving their vision of the road still to travel will be coordinator of the South Sudan Women’s Coalition, Rita Lopidia, and Mama Gertrude Mongella, who was the first President of the Pan-African Parliament.
Closing Remarks
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf concludes the Summit with her closing remarks.