With a permanent constitution being drafted to pave the way for elections in 2024, citizens, particularly those affiliated with civil society organizations, have an important role to play to make sure that their views are taken into consideration.

To strengthen their capacity to make their voices count, some 60 members of the Eastern Equatoria Civil Society Network were invited to a workshop organized by the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS.

“Our citizens need to know what their roles are in building peace and what their rights are,” said Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State at the two-day workshop.

Apart from advocacy skills, conflict management principles were also discussed at the event, which concluded with participants agreeing on a number of action points for the way forward. Frequent meetings between civil society organizations and local authorities, increased networking and coordination and raising awareness on the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, the ongoing drafting of a new constitution and next year’s electoral process were some of them.

“We are taking note of the requests that you have put forward. We will address the issues that we can and liaise with relevant partners for them to support you with what we cannot do,” said Caroline Waudo, Head of the peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Eastern Equatoria.

Across the country, UNMISS will continue to provide civic space and platforms for discussions and awareness-raising on issues related to the implementation of the outstanding provisions of the revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2018.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).