NILECAPD began with a simple but powerful belief: that peace is possible when communities choose unity over division.

South-Sudanese Tension in Cairo

In the aftermath of the 2013 civil war in South Sudan, our founder, Bayak Chuol Puoch—a refugee living in Cairo, Egypt—recognized the risk of the same violence once again taking root among displaced South Sudanese communities abroad. Bringing together church and community leaders, he helped facilitate dialogue that allowed people to confront pain, share their stories, and move toward forgiveness. These early gatherings proved that even in the midst of deep trauma, reconciliation was possible—and from this experience, NILECAPD was born.

Focusing On Dialogue

In its early days, the organization focused on community-based peacebuilding, creating safe spaces where individuals could process grief, rebuild trust, and restore relationships fractured by conflict. These conversations became the foundation for a broader mission—one that connected peace with dignity, healing, and practical support for those rebuilding their lives.

The Movement to Canada

In 2018, Bayak arrived in Canada and encountered a childhood friend living on the streets of Calgary.Once an aspiring engineer, now struggling without shelter alongside his children. This moment revealed a new reality: while the context had changed, the challenges of displacement, trauma, and instability remained. It became clear that peace was not only about reconciling the past, but also about creating pathways to a stable and hopeful future.

NileCAPD Today

Today, NILECAPD continues to address both dimensions of peace—supporting communities in South Sudan affected by conflict, while also responding to the urgent needs of South Sudanese immigrants in Canada who face homelessness, social isolation, and vulnerability to exploitation. What began as a circle of dialogue has grown into a movement dedicated to restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and ensuring that no one is left behind.