Members of the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network elected a new executive body Thursday during a general assembly facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The election aimed to resolve internal disputes and establish a new leadership team. The newly elected officials are Chairperson Lotunyeny Alphonse; Deputy Chairperson Kulang Vicky Daniel; Secretary General Juma Tikol; and Secretary for Finance Charles Ikoo Rapicho.
During the handover, the outgoing caretaker chairperson, Jimmy Kilang, advised the new leaders to prioritize public service over personal connections to politicians.
“There should be a gap between you and the politician whenever you are doing a function for civil society,” Kilang said. He urged the new chairperson to ensure the organization remains nonpartisan to effectively advocate for communities.
Edmond Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), encouraged losing candidates to remain engaged. He outlined the core mandate of the civil society network, emphasizing that it must remain nonpolitical, hold authorities accountable and reject tribalism.
“Your mandate is to stand on behalf of the citizens,” Yakani said. “When things go right, appreciate them; when things go wrong, correct them.”
The newly elected chairperson, Lotunyeny Alphonse, pledged to collaborate with all members and partners to strengthen the network’s advocacy.
“I promise to work together with you,” Alphonse said. “We may once again raise the voice of the civil society in Eastern Equatoria to the level expected.”