Civil society groups in Western Equatoria State have urged the national government to urgently fund preparations for the December general elections, saying credible polls are vital to restoring peace, stability and public confidence in the country.
Speaking to reporters on Friday at Yambio Airstrip after returning from Juba, where he participated in elections for the National Civil Society Coalition, Wanga Emmanuel, chairperson of civil society activists in Western Equatoria State, said the government should prioritize the electoral process and provide full support to the National Elections Commission.
“We are calling on the government to expedite elections. Elections should be a national priority,” Wanga said. “We urge the government to fund the National Elections Commission to ensure free, fair and credible elections.”
He warned that failure to adequately support the process could erode public trust and undermine the legitimacy of the current government.
Wanga also called on South Sudanese citizens to embrace peace, reconciliation and national unity, saying years of conflict had delayed the country’s development.
“We have wasted a lot of time fighting each other and destroying ourselves. Now is the time for unity,” he said. “We must come together in order to grow and build our nation.”
He urged political and armed groups, including SPLM-IO, SPLM and NAS, to abandon violence and return to dialogue.
“Fighting has destroyed a lot and has finished our country. South Sudanese deserve peace, respect and development,” Wanga said.
He also appealed to young people not to be drawn into violence and instead promote peace and positive change in their communities.
Meanwhile, Odetta Miwai James, the newly elected deputy chairperson of the National Civil Society Coalition, called for unity, accountability and constructive engagement among civil society organizations across the country.
Speaking after her election in Juba, Odetta urged civil society groups to avoid divisions along political or ethnic lines and remain focused on community service and advocacy for peace and justice.
“We cannot afford division along political or ethnic lines within civil society,” she said. “We must remain united in serving our communities and advocating for peace, justice and accountability.”
She stressed the need for engagement with government institutions, development partners and local communities through dialogue and evidence-based advocacy.
“Where there are gaps, we will propose solutions, and where there are successes, we will amplify them,” Odetta said.
She also called on civil society networks in the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas to continue documenting community concerns, educating citizens and promoting accountability at the grassroots level.
“Do not wait for Juba to act. Local peace and accountability start with you as civil society actors at the state level,” she said.
Odetta further urged development partners to coordinate more closely with civil society organizations to improve effectiveness, avoid duplication of projects and strengthen public trust.
Separately, residents in Western Equatoria State called for intensified civic education, peacebuilding initiatives and nationwide disarmament ahead of the planned elections.
The calls were 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 on May 14, 2026.
More than 30 participants, including youth representatives, women leaders, civil society groups, chiefs, religious leaders, journalists, representatives of the Azande Kingdom and community members, attended the workshop to discuss peaceful, inclusive and informed participation in the electoral process.
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