The European Union and its implementing partners have launched a major new initiative aimed at strengthening civil society across South Sudan.
The Supporting Civil Society Empowerment in South Sudan (SUCCESS) project was unveiled Thursday in Juba, bringing together key development actors and government officials in a show of renewed commitment to grassroots empowerment.
The € multi-million project, led by the EU in collaboration with Mercy Corps, EVE Organization for Women Development, and the Institute for the Promotion of Civil Society (IPCS), seeks to enhance the technical and organizational capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) across the country.
Over 140 CSOs are expected to benefit from the program.
Speaking at the launch, EU Ambassador to South Sudan Timo Olkkonen emphasized the critical role of civil society in nation-building.
“South Sudanese CSOs have remained resilient in the face of enormous challenges. Through the SUCCESS project, we want to equip them to play a stronger role in governance, peacebuilding, and development,” he said.
Michael Philip Pia, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Peace-building and guest of honor at the launch, urged beneficiary organizations to involve communities in shaping their projects.
“Design impactful interventions together with the people. Don’t cook for them, cook with them. That’s how lasting change begins,” he said.
As South Sudan continues to navigate its post-conflict recovery, the SUCCESS project is seen as a timely boost to civic engagement and participatory governance—both crucial for the country’s path toward peace and stability.
