Civil society organisations in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have urged the South Sudanese government to boost investment in economic development and social services. This call was made on the International Day of Peace, marking a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of stability. The groups stressed that addressing local community needs is essential for sustainable peace. They highlighted the need for greater attention to economic challenges and social services.
Maneno Grace, deputy chairperson of the Civil Society Forum in Greater Yei, expressed concerns about the government's level of investment in social services. She questioned the government's efforts to address the needs of the elderly and improve the health sector. According to Grace, very few partners are working in the health sector, and the government's response to social service needs is inadequate. She emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and other sectors to create conditions for peace.
The condition of infrastructure and roads in Yei and across South Sudan is a pressing concern. The civil society groups pointed out that the current state of infrastructure is very poor, hindering development and peacebuilding efforts. They called on the government to prioritize investment in these areas to create an environment conducive to peace and development. This, they believe, will help address the economic challenges facing local communities.
Yei Youth Chairperson Gaga Frank also weighed in on the issue, urging politicians not to use young people in activities that could fuel violence. Instead, he called for greater youth participation in peacebuilding and development initiatives across South Sudan. Frank emphasized the crucial role that young people can play in bringing peace and development to the country. He encouraged politicians to utilize youth as instruments of peace and development.
The civil society groups' call for increased investment in social services and economic development is a timely reminder of the challenges facing South Sudan. The country has made significant progress in recent years, but much work remains to be done. The government's response to these calls will be crucial in determining the nation's future stability and development. The groups' statements highlight the need for a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges.
The International Day of Peace provided a platform for civil society groups to reflect on the nation's progress and challenges. The day is celebrated annually to promote peace and stability worldwide. In Yei, the celebrations served as a reminder of the importance of continued investment in peacebuilding and development initiatives. The groups' calls for action are a testament to their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
The South Sudanese government's response to these calls for increased investment in social services and economic development remains to be seen. The government has made efforts to address the nation's challenges, but more work is needed to ensure sustainable peace and development. The civil society groups' statements serve as a reminder of the importance of continued collaboration and investment in peacebuilding and development initiatives.
Key points
- Civil society groups in Yei River County call for increased government investment in economic development and social services to sustain peace.
- The groups emphasize the need for greater attention to economic challenges and social services, particularly in the health sector and infrastructure development.
- Yei Youth Chairperson Gaga Frank urges politicians to utilize youth as instruments of peace and development, rather than violence.
