Civil Society Leader Praises President’s Decision to Investigate Security Incident, Calls for Transparency and Inclusion

In a recent statement, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), expressed his support for the South Sudanese President’s decision to form a committee investigating the violent confrontation between the bodyguards of former Director of National Security Service and government forces in Juba’s Na-Bari neighborhood.

Yakani welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for the newly-formed committee to be action-oriented and transparent. He urged President Salva Kiir to ensure that the committee investigates the underlying issues thoroughly and provides the public with clear information about the incident.

“Whoever made the wrong decision that led to this military confrontation in a civilian area should be held accountable,” Yakani stated, underlining the significance of justice in fostering trust within the community.

Moreover, he highlighted the importance of inclusivity within the investigative process, urging the President to allow civil society representatives, religious leaders, youth, and women to be involved in the committee. “While this is a security issue, it has broader implications for the civilian population,” he insisted.

Yakani pointed out the historical challenges with similar committees that have failed to bring about justice and accountability, stating, “We have seen several committees that resulted in the killing of matters of justice and have denied the community the opportunity to learn from previous mistakes.”

He called for this committee to prioritize openness, practicality, and functionality to reassure citizens of its commitment to deliver justice. “I hope this committee will meet the expectations of goodwill that the President intended when forming it,” he concluded.

The call for a transparent and inclusive investigative process underscores the ongoing challenges South Sudan faces in maintaining security while ensuring justice and accountability within its communities. The public eagerly awaits further developments regarding the committee’s formation and its approach to addressing the incident.