The Secretary General of the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU), Emmanuel William, has urged young people to reject tribal politics, vote-buying and political leaders who exploit ethnic divisions ahead of the country’s 2026 elections.
Mr William made the call during his opening remarks at a one-day Bi-Annual National Youth Dialogue on Electoral Preparedness, Democratic Participation and Post-R-ARCSS Priorities in Juba.
The dialogue brings together young people to engage with electoral and political institutions, discuss barriers to youth participation, identify priority concerns and develop practical actions to promote meaningful, inclusive and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Mr William urged young people to take an active role in political affairs at both state and national levels, while exercising their political rights peacefully and responsibly.
He warned that the elections should not become a source of violence, particularly for a generation that has experienced the effects of prolonged conflict.
He also urged young people to examine the policies, programmes and manifestos of political parties before deciding who to support.
“Your voices are important,” he told participants, encouraging them to use platforms such as the dialogue to raise concerns, ask questions and engage political parties on issues affecting their communities and the country.
Mr William said young people should not allow themselves to be mobilised for political interests based on tribal or personal loyalties.
Instead, he encouraged them to demand leaders who can address pressing challenges including unemployment, limited business opportunities, inadequate schools and healthcare, poor infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
He said youth participation should go beyond attending political rallies, urging young people to become informed and active participants in the democratic process.
Michael Gorjin, a project coordinator with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), also encouraged young people to participate actively in political affairs while exercising their rights peacefully.
He urged them to engage political parties directly and seek clarity on their positions and programmes before making electoral choices.
Florence Agiba, executive director of Markaz Al Salam (MAS), said the dialogue was an important opportunity for young people to plan and prepare for their participation in the electoral process.
She encouraged participants to take the discussions seriously and use the platform to develop practical plans for youth participation, regardless of uncertainties surrounding the elections.
Ms Agiba also urged youth representatives to ensure their contributions reflect the concerns of young people across the country, rather than only those attending the meeting.
She called for continued support for youth-led platforms that allow young people to organise, discuss national issues and participate in decision-making.
The dialogue was organised by MARZAL SALAM (MAS) in collaboration with South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) with support from NPA.
The organisers said the engagement aims to strengthen young people’s understanding of the electoral process and promote meaningful, inclusive and peaceful participation in South Sudan’s democratic affairs.
