Chess: Mind over Emotion for peace in South Sudan

The game of chess has for long been associated with intelligence and in some cases class distinction. 

That rhetoric is being challenged where the game is being tagged as a ‘war game building bridges in South Sudan.”

In 2018, South Sudan became first in a chess competition beating 45 other countries becoming the first gold medal for South Sudan in any sport.

Jada Albert Modi, President of the South Sudan chess federation, celebrates this achievement and is convinced that the game also has a critical part to play in the South Sudan peace process.

“With chess you are not emotional; you come together and use your minds,” he said.

Jada points at the unifying factor the game has through the diversity of his players.
Jada Albert Modi spoke to Irene Lasu about the healing nature of chess and its development in South Sudan.