Tabitha Mathiang – South Sudan

Tabitha Mathiang is a passionate activist for peace and human rights. She is a member of the Sudanese/S. Sudan Taskforce for engagement of women in peace processes. Tabitha spent ten years in the bush, fighting for justice and freedom for South Sudan alongside her husband, a General in the Liberation Movement. When the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed on 9th January 2005 between the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, she led the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of more than 3,000 women and child soldiers. But, she says, even after the armed groups handed over their guns, “There was still a culture of war.” When renewed conflict broke out in December 2013, 10 of Tabitha’s relatives were killed. With her friend Apuk Ayuel, she provided support to the peace talks, reasoning that “Maybe when they see us together, a Dinka and a Nuer, these men will think differently.” The warring parties signed a peace agreement in 2015. War broke out again and working for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Tabitha continued to work for peace. She now lives in exile in the USA, and her determination to work towards peace for S. Sudan remains as strong as ever.