Juba, South Sudan – The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has announced the launch of a nationwide campaign dubbed “No Return to War”, urging citizens and leaders alike to recommit to peace and stability as the country continues to face political and security challenges.
In a statement shared with the media on Sunday, CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani emphasized that it is time for leaders to match their words with action, saying the campaign aims to transform public sentiment into a unified, citizen-driven movement for peace.
“This campaign of ‘No Return to War’ is intended to empower citizens to raise their voices and engage directly with political and military leaders, regardless of their affiliations,” Yakani said.
He stressed the importance of grassroots participation, calling on communities, civil society groups, and religious leaders to support the initiative and hold the leadership accountable.
“To our politicians and generals – wherever you are, and whatever your affiliation – we say enough is enough. It is time for dialogue, not violence,” he added. “Peace and stability must be our national priority.”
Yakani further noted that the campaign will involve multi-stakeholder engagements and be rolled out in coordination with various actors across the country. He described it as part of the broader framework of the National Dialogue for peace and reconciliation.
“We need every South Sudanese to stand behind this campaign. Whether you’re in government, civil society, or a religious institution – this is our collective responsibility,” Yakani urged.
The launch of the campaign comes at a time when the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) faces implementation setbacks, including political tension and localized violence.
Recently, the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) reaffirmed its commitment to the peace agreement. Information Minister and government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth reiterated President Salva Kiir’s position during a press briefing.
“Our President has committed himself time and again not to take the country back to war,” Makuei told journalists. “That’s why we continue to engage in dialogue.”
President Kiir, during the country’s 10th Independence Day celebrations, also underscored his pledge to safeguard peace.
“I want to assure you that I will not return you back to war. Let’s work together to recover from the past decade and put the country back on the path to development,” the President declared.
As the country prepares for its first elections since independence, CEPO’s campaign seeks to unite the population under a shared vision for lasting peace and democratic transition.
