The Within and Without the State (WWS) programme is using a variety of approaches to strengthen civil society and promote more accountable governance in conflict-affected and fragile contexts. The programme is working in Afghanistan, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel, South Sudan and Yemen.

This case study is focused on the work in South Sudan. Here WWS is bringing citizens and those in power together – enabling them to engage in dialogue and work together for development. This approach promotes the idea of a ‘social contract’ between citizens and those at different level of governance. Each has their own rights and responsibilities to fulfil; by doing so, and engaging constructively with each other, they are able to promote accountability, transparency and mutual trust, and build a more effective state.