Stop governing through crisis: activist slams leaders for using violence to cling to power
Activist Edmond Yakani has accused the country’s leaders of deliberately using violence and instability as a political tool to gain and maintain power, demanding an immediate end to what he called their ‘political immaturity.’ Yakani, the outspoken Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), did not mince words as he condemned a […]
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, […]
SSRA commended for transparency after reporting SSP 984 B in non-oil revenue
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has applauded the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) for its commitment to transparency after disclosing a record SSP 984.4 billion in non-oil revenue collected for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The commendation was issued by CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, following the public announcement by SSRA Commissioner General Simon […]
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 […]
“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 […]
