Dukhan Jundit
Dukhan Jundit is a researcher located in the Upper Nile State. Having been a journalist for 15 years, Dukhan interviews communities in order to discover and understand issues faced in the areas. He is then able to report back to the Bridge Network with updates and conflict analysis. This is used as part of the Bridge Network’s work for the World Food Programme on Measuring Safety and Security.
As a South Sudanese researcher, Dukhan is able to bring his nuanced understanding of the conflict and South Sudanese society into his research. According to him, it is preferable to conduct research through locals and interviewers who are an established part of the community. ‘This is because, when you talk about South Sudan and how the conflict is going and the context of the situation, it is best known by the population of South Sudan. It is very advisable to give these opportunities to South Sudanese because they know more about how the situation changes, and they can use dialects to get a bit more information’.
Born in 1981, during conflict, Dukhan used his life experience as motivation to become a researcher. He explained that, as a result, he is passionate about finding out about the conflict, what causes it, and its effects on South Sudanese society.
Dukhan’s favourite food is also shaped by his South Sudanese identity. Wal wal, he explains, is used often in African villages in meals, and is his favourite.
For Dukhan, the Measuring Safety Security research is important as, through his research, ‘we can empower the community to make their own food and produce enough so that they can be given out’. Through these changes, he argues that conflict within areas was reduced, furthered through his discouragement of violence in communities.
The benefits of his research are uncountable. Dukhan argues that he ‘absolutely believe[s] that [his] research is going to benefit South Sudan, because we do give more information about the cause of the conflict, provide comments about the way forward and how the conflict can be resolved. We also provide information to international NGOs, and they should act accordingly… We give them guidelines about how to create a plan for the future of the nation… [he] believes that this research will benefit them [the South Sudanese community] not only now, but in generations and generations down.’
However, his research isn’t entirely straightforward; there are often challenges in conducting interviews. Dukhan explains that ‘there are a lot of challenges, especially when you’re on the ground’, as researchers’ lives may even be in danger. If people are perceived as being dressed in ‘expensive’ or ‘nice’ clothes, there may be an expectation of money and wealth. Consequently ‘someone could even kill you, even though you don’t have a problem with him, maybe your community doesn’t have any conflict with his community’, Dukhan explains. ‘People are very hungry, food is not enough, someone can even kill you, choke you, expecting that they can get dollars, or your bag.’ Robbery and violence aren’t the only threat to researchers in South Sudan, as the prevalence of guns may also act as a challenge. Dukhan explained that, if fighting breaks out in the community in which you are staying, there is the potential for one to be caught up in the crossfire, as this type of conflict is indiscriminate in terms of its victims.
Despite this, Dukhan also mentioned the ways in which he attempts to mitigate these difficulties. Safety can partially be ensured through the personal relationships developed between the researchers and the communities in which they work. ‘As a person who comes from that particular area, [Dukhan is] known to them for many years’ and therefore may be perceived as less threatening and more trustworthy. Furthermore, local authorities may offer protection through supplying personnel to ensure the safety of others. He also reveals that means of movement must be thought through in advance; as a researcher, he would establish a mode of transport, such as a motorbike or car, that could remove him from a dangerous situation.
It is clear, therefore, that Dukhan regards the benefits of his research as more significant than the risks. He explains ‘I believe the Bridge Network is important to be because it is serving the interests of the South Sudanese.’ This is as a result of the peace and security that organisations such as the WFP are able to ensure, to which his research contributes. Dukhan argues that his interviews seek to unite a country and create a better South Sudan. ‘As a team, whether you are in UK or South Sudan, the Bridge Network, let us take the opportunity to generate for or campaign for a better South Sudan.’ He explains that this improved South Sudan can be implemented not only through research, but also inviting international NGOs, and UN agencies to invest in developmental activities and projects, in order to better reconciliate communities in South Sudan.
In terms of future improvement, Dukhan hopes that ‘the Bridge Network [will not only] cover parts of the country, but all the 79 counties of South Sudan’ in order to better understand the causes of the conflict.’ By doing so, ‘we can make them operate peacefully, and we can make an environment that can be helpful and serve the interests of the people in South Sudan.’
His favourite book is How to win friends and influence people, by Dale Carnegie.
