Economic crisis fuels illegal arms trade in South Sudan – CEPO
South Sudan’s deepening economic crisis, which has resulted in more than a year of unpaid salaries for organized forces, is driving a surge in illegal arms trading, with dangerous consequences for peace and stability, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has warned. CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani said the worsening financial hardship is pushing […]
CEPO decries atrocities in Yei River County
South Sudanese civil society leader Edmund Yakani has condemned a brutal attack on Yari and Payawa villages in Yei River County, Central Equatoria, allegedly carried out by forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO). The assault, which occurred on August 2, has left several children severely injured and displaced dozens of families. Community […]
Final warning: CEPO to name individuals behind Tombura ethnic violence
In a bold and emotionally charged address, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the civil society organization CEPO, has issued a final warning to powerful elites in Western Equatoria over their alleged involvement in the ongoing ethnic violence in Tombura and surrounding counties. Yakani announced that from September 12 to International Peace Day on September 21, […]
CEPO warns of rising violence and forced displacement in South Sudan
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has raised alarm over a growing wave of armed violence and forced displacement across South Sudan, calling for urgent political action to rescue the country’s fragile peace process. In a statement on Sunday, CEPO Executive Director Edmond Yakane voiced deep concern over the increasing trend of internal displacement […]
Parliament reopens under President Kiir’s call for unity
After a six-month recess, South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly has resumed its work amidst mounting political uncertainty and fractures within the ruling peace coalition government. The reopening of the First Session of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislature comes at a tense juncture, as leaders of the SPLM-IO, one of the principal signatories to the 2018 […]
New army chief urged to end violence, prevent child recruitment
The newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Dau Aturjong, has been urged to prioritize ending the escalating armed violence across South Sudan and lead the country toward lasting peace. The call was made by Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), following President Salva Kiir’s decision to replace Gen. […]
UK leans on longstanding ties to push for Machar’s release
Drawing on its deep-rooted relationship with South Sudan, the United Kingdom has renewed its diplomatic appeal for the release of political detainees, with particular emphasis on First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. The move underscores the UK’s growing concern over stalled peace efforts and political instability in the country. Clare Staunton, the UK’s Special Representative […]
President Kiir orders sweeping financial reforms, warns against corruption
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has tasked the newly appointed Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr. Addis Ababa Othow, with leading reforms to restore best practices and strengthen governance at the Central Bank. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Othow and his deputy, Samuel Yanga Mikaya, on Wednesday, President Kiir emphasized the urgent […]
Road that greets the region, yet shames the capital – activist
Edmond Nyakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has made a passionate appeal to South Sudan’s top leadership to urgently rehabilitate a deteriorating two-kilometre stretch of Maram Road that connects Freedom Bridge to the Central Bank Tarmac Road. “This is the first road that regional drivers encounter when entering Juba,” Nyakani said. “It should reflect the dignity […]
Judicial overhaul begins as Baak takes over Supreme Court
South Sudan’s judiciary is set for a major transformation as President Salva Kiir Mayardit officially swore in Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng Bol as the new Chief Justice in a ceremony at the Presidency on Monday. Dr. Baak assumes the highest judicial office alongside his newly appointed deputy, Laku Tranquilo Nyombe. Supreme Court Justice Dr. James […]
