“Fault beneath the vote without healing, ” activists warn
As South Sudan approaches its long-awaited general elections in December 2026, civil society leaders warn that unresolved trauma and political fragmentation could turn the ballot into a battleground instead of a path to progress. Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), stressed that no vote can be legitimate without first […]
Yakani takes regional stage as IGAD peace forum rapporteur
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has been elected Rapporteur of the IGAD Civil Society Peace Forum, a key platform for amplifying non-state voices in regional peacebuilding efforts. The announcement was made during the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Civil Society Forum held in Kenya, bringing together activists and […]
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. […]
Police point to parents in Juba’s rising gang crisis
The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) has blamed parental neglect for the growing wave of youth gang activity in Juba. According to police spokesperson Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, many of the young people arrested in recent operations lacked proper guidance at home, which he says has contributed to their involvement in criminal behavior. […]
CEPO demands Juba City Council fix dilapidated roads
The growing public anger on the poor roads in Juba City has found a voice in the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), which is now urging the Juba City Council to to fix the city’s internal road networks. For residents of Juba, navigating the city has become a test of patience as potholes and […]
Border security accused of systematic harassment of travelers
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has sharply criticized South Sudan’s border security forces, accusing them of widespread harassment and abuse of travelers, particularly at the Nimule border crossing. Despite repeated calls for reform, CEPO says the misconduct has become routine, with officers allegedly intimidating, extorting, and unlawfully searching civilians. Edmund Yakani, CEPO’s Executive […]
Activist condemns border clashes, urges presidential action
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has strongly condemned the escalating violence between border communities in Lakes and Unity states. CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, expressed deep concern over ongoing cattle raids and attacks involving youth from Rumbek North of Lakes State and Panyijiar County of Unity State. Yakani described the situation as deteriorating, […]
CEPO links alarming suicide rate to economic hardships
A recent wave of suicides in Juba has prompted Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) to urge the government to urgently address the country’s dire economic situation, which it says is a major contributing factor. The call from CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, comes in the wake of a police report revealing that nine suicide […]
Warrap attack proves need for comprehensive community disarmament- Yakani
The resurgence of deadly attacks in Warrap state is drawing widespread condemnation from civil society activist, who are now urging the national strategy to apply an all-out approach to the cycle of attacks. The attack, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in significant casualties and highlights the persistent challenge of armed violence despite ongoing disarmament […]
Activists demand gov’t commitment to end sexual violence
As South Sudan joins the world in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, civil society organizations are urging the government to take solid steps to end both gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual violence. The day, marked each year on the 19th of June, aims to raise awareness about the […]
