Nairobi Honors South Sudanese Peacebuilder
Visionary Leadership Recognized: Hon. Nathaniel Garang Aduotdit Conferred with International Peace Award 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya – In a ceremony that drew significant regional attention to the future of South Sudanese governance, Hon. Nathaniel Garang Aduotdit was formally presented with the International Peace Award 2025 on December 18, 2025, Held at the Stedmak Garden in Karen, Nairobi, the event celebrated Hon. Garang’s extensive contributions to interfaith leadership, community cohesion, and peacebuilding throughout South Sudan and the wider East African region.
The award, hosted by the International College of Peace Studies (ICOPS), was conferred by His Eminence Dr. Kennedy Waningu, the Provost of the institution. The formal citation recognized Hon. Garang’s “outstanding efforts and unwavering commitment” to improving the lives of others through faith-based leadership and non-violent conflict resolution.
A Dual Mandate of Faith and Political Reform
Hon. Garang currently balances two pivotal leadership roles that inform his vision for the region. He serves as the Chairman of the East Africa Religious Council, where he works directly with faith leaders across eight countries to promote reconciliation and interfaith cooperation. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Real People’s Liberation Movement Forward (Real-SPLM/F), positioning himself as a prominent advocate for systemic political change in South Sudan.
His leadership is deeply rooted in his personal history. Born in Payom, Kongor Area, Hon. Garang’s life was shaped by first-hand experience with conflict and the resilience of his community. This background drove him to transition into peace advocacy and governance reform, using his influence to champion non-violent solutions to complex disputes.
Academic Excellence and Spiritual Service
Beyond his political and diplomatic work, Hon. Garang is an ordained Anglican priest with a robust academic background in divinity and leadership. His credentials include:
- Master’s Degree in Divinity from Jerusalem International University in Zambia.
- Master’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Bible University, which is based in Germany and the United States.
He has previously served as the Chairperson of a prominent Faith-Based Organization in South Sudan, further solidifying his reputation as a unifying figure capable of bridging religious and secular divides.
The “People First” Agenda: A Roadmap for the Future
As a presidential aspirant, Hon. Garang has outlined a comprehensive national vision known as the “People First” Agenda. This platform is built on the principle that South Sudan’s leadership must be elected rather than appointed, ensuring that governance is driven by the direct will of the people.
A critical component of this vision is the ‘Bring Our Citizens Back Home Initiative’. This initiative aims to:
- Facilitate the Return of Refugees: Create the security and economic conditions necessary for South Sudanese citizens living in exile or refugee camps to return to a peaceful homeland.
- Restore National Dignity: Rebuild the foundations of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity for all citizens regardless of their background
- Promote Inclusive Governance: Shift the national focus toward reconciliation and integrity-driven leadership to heal a country divided by years of transition.
Global Context and the Role of ICOPS
The International College of Peace Studies, the body behind the award, is a global institution partner of the University for Peace, a United Nations-mandated university. By honoring Hon. Garang, ICOPS highlighted the growing importance of linking grassroots peacebuilding with international diplomacy.
The institution emphasized that recognizing such leaders is vital in a world facing record global crises. For South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, this award serves as a testament to the international community’s interest in leaders who prioritize harmony and calmness as the foundation for national development.
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