Citizens in Western Equatoria State have called for intensified civic education, peacebuilding initiatives, and nationwide disarmament ahead of the upcoming South Sudan elections.
The appeal was made during a one-day community engagement workshop on civic responsibility and electoral participation organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with the Western Equatoria State Elections Commission in Yambio.
The workshop brought together over 30 stakeholders, including youth representatives, women leaders, civil society organizations, chiefs, religious leaders, journalists, and community members, to discuss the importance of peaceful, inclusive, and informed participation in the electoral process.
Mary Pio of the Yambio Women Empowerment Center urged the government to continue supporting communities through peace processes and provide training on peacebuilding and disarmament.
“Disarmament is very important in promoting peace, security, and stability within our communities,” she said.
She emphasized that communities need a peaceful environment ahead of the elections and called for greater investment in civic awareness and conflict prevention mechanisms.
Father Bagbiowia Thomas, Vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio, stressed the importance of sustaining civic education programs across the country.
“My recommendation regarding this civic education program is that it should continue because all citizens of South Sudan need to understand their rights and responsibilities,” he said.
The priest stressed that informed citizens are better equipped to make decisions that improve their lives and contribute positively to democratic processes. He further appealed to the Government of South Sudan and political leaders to demonstrate political will and commitment toward peace, unity, and democracy.
“The government must provide a conducive environment by ensuring adequate security across the country,” he stated. “The organized forces should also be unified under one command to strengthen stability and national cohesion.”
For his part, Charles Taban, a resident of Yambio County, also echoed calls for peace and disarmament ahead of the elections.
“We, the citizens, need peace, and the government should collect guns and carry out disarmament so that people can have hope for peace,” he said.
Simon Sarawasi, spokesperson for the Western Equatoria State Election Commission, said the training targeted youth, women, community leaders, and civil society organizations as part of election preparedness efforts.
“This is a highly inclusive activity aimed at strengthening public participation, awareness, and peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zarina Isakova, Field Electoral Officer with the UNMISS Yambio Field Office, thanked participants for turning up and reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to supporting civic awareness and inclusive electoral participation.
“As preparations for elections continue, it is essential that communities understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of peaceful and informed participation,” she said. “We believe that local leaders, journalists, women, youth, civil society representatives, and persons with disabilities are key stakeholders in ensuring peaceful and inclusive elections.”
“Through this workshop, we hope participants will gain knowledge and skills that they can share within their communities to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and active civic participation,” Isakova added.
She encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and work collectively toward building a democratic and peaceful environment for all citizens.
Victor Mbengo, a civil society activist and focal person for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Western Equatoria State, appealed to the government to prioritize peaceful civic education, disarmament, and inclusive electoral awareness campaigns across the state.
“I want our government to unify the forces ahead of the elections and ensure strong peace and security institutions,” he said.
Mbengo further noted that churches, civil society organizations, journalists, and community leaders all have an important role to play in promoting peace and ensuring citizens are informed about the electoral process.
He urged the government to conduct free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.
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