From Warrior to Peacemaker: Machar’s Journey of Courage and Change

Machar, gelweng leader in Lakes State, now driving progress in peace

In the heart of Lakes State, once known for deadly intercommunal clashes, a remarkable story of transformation is unfolding. Machar, once feared as a fierce fighter, now stands as a symbol of hope and reconciliation. His journey from a life defined by conflict to one dedicated to peace shows what can happen when communities are trusted to lead their own change.

In 2020, when violence tore through the Dinka Agar sections, the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF) began listening deeply to the voices in the cattle camps. What they found challenged every assumption. The young men who had been labelled as troublemakers were not rejecting peace; they longed for it. They wanted safety, dignity, and a chance to live without fear.

Through a careful, locally designed process, 45 Gelweng leaders were chosen from across the five Dinka Agar sections. Each one was nominated by their community, not for their virtue, but for their reputation as conflict instigators. These were the men who knew the cost of violence. They were ready to change if only given a chance.

Machar was among them. At first, he was doubtful, even resistant. But through honest conversations and shared reflection, he began to confront the pain that years of fighting had caused. The group met repeatedly, guided by facilitators from their own communities. They shared stories, many of grief and loss, and together they reimagined what peace leadership could mean.

Five years later, Machar stood before a new group of cattle camp leaders from Cueibet and Tonj. With quiet pride, he said, I was once known for bringing death. Today, I am known for bringing peace.

Moments like this remind us why locally led peacebuilding matters. True transformation cannot be imposed; it must grow from within. As highlighted in the recent publication from the ETH Zurich Centre for Security Studies, Unscripted Peace: Community Led Mediation Processes in South Sudan, POF’s approach has shown that when people are trusted to take ownership of their future, peace is not just possible, it is lasting.