CEPO Praises Foreign Minister’s Commitment to Open Civic Space, Plans National Dialogue Amidst Calls for Political Reforms

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has welcomed the recent statements made by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding improvements in civic space and ongoing peace negotiations. Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, asserted that such remarks provide a vital opportunity for constructive discussions about advancing civic and political engagement in South Sudan.

According to CEPO’s Civic Space Watch program, there has been a notable decrease in the harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of activists and journalists during the evaluation period. Yakani attributed this positive trend to the collaborative efforts among political parties and security institutions, particularly in connection with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Despite these improvements, Yakani voiced concerns about the restrictive nature of political engagement, citing instances where security personnel have imposed limitations on civic activities. He praised the successful facilitation of civic and political forums supported by UNMISS in states such as Bor, Yambio, Wau, and Bentiu, emphasizing that similar initiatives should be adopted across all states to foster inclusivity in governance.

The collaborative summit held in Bor, which fostered reconciliation between state authorities and local activist Bol Deng Bol, was highlighted as a significant achievement. Yakani noted the commitment displayed by the governors of Jonglei and Western Equatoria states as exemplary models for promoting open civic and political spaces.

However, Yakani urged that while some positive strides have been made, political restrictions remain prevalent nationwide. He commended the Foreign Minister’s proactive stance on civic engagement, underscoring the necessity for continued positive dialogue and adherence to laws governing good governance and democracy.

In a bid to advance these discussions further, CEPO announced plans to hold monthly national civic and political space dialogues in Juba beginning at the end of October 2024. These dialogues aim to facilitate consultative and productive deliberations essential for nurturing open civic environments and guiding South Sudan through its political transitional processes.

As the country grapples with ongoing challenges, initiatives to enhance civic engagement and democratic governance signify an essential step towards a more inclusive and stable future for South Sudan.