South Sudanese Youths Advocate for Peace and Social Cohesion to Prevent Electoral Violence

By Fuli Dickens Isaac

A one-day consultative youth conference organized by AMALNA South Sudan and Christian Aid gathered over thirty young leaders from across the country to discuss the promotion of peace and social cohesion as a means to mitigate electoral violence in South Sudan.

Under the theme “Empowering Voices and Building Future for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Peacebuilding Processes,” the conference aimed to provide a platform for youths to engage in decision-making processes and foster unity in diversity.

Director of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in the office of the Vice President for Gender, Youth Cluster, Elizabeth Joseph Shadar, emphasized the importance of youth participation in political decision-making. She urged all young people in the country to join political parties and actively raise their voices to shape the future of South Sudan.

Shadar also announced the office’s commitment to creating projects that support youth activities across the nation, highlighting the government’s dedication to empowering and involving the youth in governance and development.

Dr. Ademola Olajide, the Country Representative of UNFPA South Sudan, reiterated UNFPA’s support for youth empowerment through various training programs in entrepreneurship, education, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. He affirmed UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to assisting South Sudan in addressing its diverse needs.

Christian Aid’s Country Director, Wani Joseph, encouraged collaboration among youths, women, and persons with disabilities to collectively advocate for their demands and push for their implementation by the government. He emphasized the importance of creating a conducive civic space for youths to express their views freely during the upcoming elections.

Joseph Luwate, the Executive Director of AMALNA (Our Hope) South Sudan, expressed appreciation for the youth’s engagement and encouraged them to continue lobbying for increased political decision-making opportunities in the December 2024 elections. He called on young leaders to remain united and persistent in pursuing their aspirations for a more inclusive and peaceful South Sudan.