The Civil Society Organizations Network in the Lakes State capital, Rumbek, on Tuesday elected Daniel Laat Kon, who is the coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in the state, as its new chairperson, replacing Angelina Adhel.
Deborah Abak Bilu was elected secretary general, replacing Abraham Matur. The two were elected unopposed by the network’s general assembly.
“We happily endorse the elected officials and pledge to support them,” said Matur, the outgoing secretary general. “The two elected members are the leaders identified to be in charge of the executive. The outgoing leadership of Angelina Adhel and myself will continue to support your leadership and to give you a space to exercise your leadership.”
For her part, Angelina Adhel, the former chairperson, said the network needs committed leaders who can work day and night.
“I am very glad that my brother Daniel Laat Kon has been elected as chairperson,” she said. “Two years ago, I competed against him; he lost and took it in good faith, and he has been supporting me during my term in office.”
“This is where gender equality begins and proof of the saying that when a man leads, let a woman be his deputy, and vice versa, and it has been proven here today,” Adhel added.
She said it should not be a male-dominated society, as shown by the network’s leadership, and that the 35 percent affirmative action for women must be respected.
“With this civil society work, there are a lot of challenges and obstacles you will face day and night, but I trust that you will never let us down,” Adhel told the new leadership.
Laat thanked the assembly for trusting him and allowing him to serve the people of Lakes State.
“I will work to improve the already good working relationship with civil society organizations, international organizations and the government,” he stated.
and then