On Saturday, 3rd August, at the prestigious Senate Hall of the University of Juba, Akuch Kuol Anyieth officially launched her groundbreaking book, Violence & Trauma: Healing South Sudanese Families and Communities. The event drew a large and engaged audience, marking a significant moment in South Sudanese scholarship and community healing.

The book, which explores the intricate and far-reaching impacts of violence and trauma on South Sudanese families and communities, was warmly received by key figures in the academic and political landscape. Notably, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor Robert Mayom Kuoirot, and distinguished panel members, including the legendary South Sudanese scholar and author Professor Taban Lo Liyong, Secretary General of South Sudan Hon. Abdon Agaw, and Professor Mairi John Blackings, praised the work for its insightful analysis and important contribution to understanding trauma and violence.

It is an immense honour that Prof Taban Lo Liyong, now in his 90s, read the book before its launch. As a stalwart of South Sudanese literature, with a career stretching back to the 1960s, his endorsement speaks volumes about the impact Violence & Trauma will have on both academic circles and the wider community. His reflections on the book, shared at the event, highlighted its nuanced exploration of intergenerational trauma and the urgent need for healing in post-conflict societies.

Akuch’s book is a remarkable blend of academic research and lived experiences, offering a multidimensional view of trauma that South Sudanese families and communities face. Drawing on her extensive knowledge in sociology, public health, history, legal studies, and psychoanalysis, she presents a compelling narrative on how prolonged exposure to war-related violence and social injustice has deep-rooted effects on generations. Her work provides a much-needed lens into how violence manifests structurally and psychologically, and how these wounds can begin to heal.

The launch of Violence & Trauma is more than just the debut of a book—it represents a critical step in acknowledging and addressing the lasting scars of violence in South Sudan. Akuch’s deeply researched and empathetically written work will undoubtedly become a cornerstone for those seeking to understand and repair the damage caused by years of conflict.

The University of Juba, together with its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kuoirot, and respected colleagues, expressed their gratitude to Akuch for her contribution to this essential dialogue. The turnout for the launch was a testament to the significance of this work, and the conversation it has sparked around trauma and healing in South Sudanese communities is expected to have a lasting impact.

Akuch Kuol Anyieth’s Violence & Trauma is a vital addition to the literature on violence, trauma, and the path to recovery for South Sudanese communities and beyond. We are proud to witness this powerful contribution to both the academic and broader societal discourse on healing and repair.