A multi-ethnic cultural festival in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, has called for greater youth participation in decision-making, respect for cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence among communities.
The festival brought together government officials, traditional leaders, civil society representatives, young people and members of different ethnic communities to promote unity and reconciliation.
It was organised by the Western Equatoria State Youth Union in partnership with Markaz Al Salam, a youth-led organisation, with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), which is marking 40 years of engagement in South Sudan.
Speaking at the event on Friday, Markaz Al Salam Founder and Executive Director Florence Agiba urged the government to increase youth and women’s representation in decision-making, citing a 20% youth representation target and a 35% affirmative action quota for women.
She cautioned young people against political manipulation and violence, urging them to contribute to peacebuilding and democratic processes.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used, manipulated or divided by politicians and individuals pursuing personal interests. Refuse to become instruments of conflict. Adopt a culture of peace, tolerance and coexistence,” she said.
Agiba also called for government funding for youth programmes and announced the launch of SOUTNA, a youth-led digital platform intended to amplify young people’s voices and promote non-violent approaches to peacebuilding.
Western Equatoria State Caretaker Minister of Information and Communications Noah Philip Isaah urged young people to reject tribal hatred, misinformation and violence, and use social media to promote unity.
He described the state’s ethnic and cultural diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.
“We may speak different languages and practise different cultures, but we share one state and one future. We must learn to respect one another and live together in peace,” Isaah said.
“We need peace from Tapari to Boo,” he added.
Prime Minister of the Azande Kingdom Tadeo Mario Sasa commended NPA, the state government and local authorities for supporting the Kingdom’s programmes and initiatives.
He also acknowledged the African Union’s cooperation with the Kingdom, particularly in promoting agriculture and food security, and thanked Caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa for attending the festival.
NPA Secretary-General Raymond Johansen highlighted the role of traditional institutions in peacebuilding and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the Azande Kingdom, government institutions and civil society groups.
Johansen said NPA began its engagement in South Sudan in 1986 by providing food assistance to communities affected by the liberation war. Its work has since expanded to include healthcare, agriculture, women’s empowerment, mine action and civil society development.
He expressed concern about growing humanitarian needs, recurrent conflict and declining international aid, but said Yambio’s agricultural potential offered opportunities for renewed cooperation.
“Over these forty years, we have seen it clearly: investing in the people of South Sudan makes a difference,” he said.
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