Activist urges protection of defense teams in Dr. Machar’s trials

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) has issued a strong appeal to national authorities, urging immediate action to ensure the safety and protection of all defense teams involved in ongoing politically sensitive court proceedings. In a public statement, CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, emphasized the importance of safeguarding every individual participating in the judicial […]
South Sudan records 507 suicides in first eight months – report reveals

South Sudan recorded 507 suicide cases between January and August 2025, according to a new survey by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO). The civil society group warned that unless urgent action is taken, the numbers could climb further due to economic hardship, social pressures, and political instability. Releasing the report in Juba, CEPO’s […]
Al Sabah on the brink: A children’s hospital in crisis

South Sudan’s main children’s hospital – Al Sabah – is no longer a place of healing. It has become a hazard, said Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, who issued a sobering appeal after visiting the facility. “With tears in my eyes,” Yakani said, “I beg our leaders to act.” According to activist Yakani, what […]
Civil Society oushes for transparency and security in Western Equatoria

Civil society leader Edmond Yakani has urged the leadership of Western Equatoria State to focus on peace, security, and transparency in managing state affairs, stressing that citizens deserve service-centered governance. Welcoming the arrival of the Governor and Deputy Governor to Yambio, Yakani commended their presence in the state capital as a positive step toward demonstrating […]
Tombura protests escalate as activist warns youth against political manipulation

Protests erupted in Tombura County, Western Equatoria, on Friday as residents accused UNMISS of failing to protect civilians amid ongoing conflict, while a civil society activist urged youth to resist being exploited by political elites. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progressive Organization (CEPO), warned that political manipulation of youth could ignite […]
China unveils global governance initiative to mark UN’s 80th anniversary

As the United Nations prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025, China has launched a new proposal, the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), aimed at reshaping the international order to be more equitable, inclusive, and responsive to contemporary challenges. The initiative, unveiled in a detailed concept paper, comes amid growing turbulence in the global landscape […]
UN General Assembly urged to act on South Sudan peace stalemate

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has appealed to the United Nations to take decisive action during the upcoming UN General Assembly to rescue South Sudan from a looming political crisis and renewed violence. Edmond Yakani, CEPO’s Executive Director, described the meeting as a “golden opportunity” for the UN Secretary-General and the Chairperson of […]
Yakani condemns threats against Jonglei-based activist

Prominent civil society activist Edmund Yakani has condemned threats made against Bol Deng Bol, a fellow activist in Jonglei State, following his outspoken criticisms of state policies. Bol, who resides in Bor town, has recently voiced his concerns that he is being targeted for his advocacy work, which he believes is being misrepresented as a […]
Spoilers block South Sudan’s political dialogue, civil society says

Civil society has raised alarm over growing signs that spoilers within South Sudan’s political establishment are obstructing progress towards national dialogue and undermining preparations for the long-promised 2026 elections. Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said findings from their pre-election domestic observation show the country is sliding into a […]
Kiir urged to order reopening of State Parliaments to avert revenue mismanagement

Civil society activists have called on President Salva Kiir to immediately direct state governors to reopen their parliaments, warning that the continued shutdown of state legislative assemblies is fueling mismanagement and diversion of public revenues. The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, Thursday, raised serious concerns about what he […]