SSPDF general’s words ignite fears of widespread civilian killings — Rights group
Human rights activists have raised grave alarm following incendiary remarks attributed to a senior South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander, warning that such rhetoric could fuel mass civilian killings and grave international crimes if left unaddressed. The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Sunday strongly condemned statements reportedly made by General Johnson Olony, […]
Peace partners threaten to expose anti-peace politicians
Peace partners and civil society stakeholders signatory to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement have issued a strong warning to political actors accused of undermining dialogue, vowing to publicly name and expose those they say are sabotaging peace efforts for personal and political interests. Speaking in Juba, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress […]
South Sudanese activist renews ceasefire call as fighting intensifies in Jonglei
South Sudanese civil society activist Edmund Yakani has renewed urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive political dialogue, warning that escalating clashes between government and opposition forces in Jonglei State could plunge the country back into full-scale war. Speaking at the start of the new year, Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for […]
Stakeholders launch inclusive consultative dialogue to revive peace agreement
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has announced a new series of inclusive consultative dialogues aimed at reviving implementation of the 2018 Peace Agreement. Yakani, who serves as CEPO’s Executive Director, noted the process seeks to ease the political impasse and reinforce trust among the agreement’s signatories. “As we have informed you before, we stakeholders committed […]
Civil society welcomes arrest of soldier over misconduct
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has welcomed the arrest of a National Security Service (NSS) officer accused of misconduct during a civilian disarmament operation in Bor Town, Jonglei State. The officer, who allegedly attempted to kill an elderly woman, was reportedly apprehended and brought back to the scene of the incident on Wednesday. […]
What Yakani’s voice adds to the push for Akol’s release
Civil society leader Edmund Yakani has stepped into one of South Sudan’s most sensitive debates, the detention of former Internal Security Bureau chief Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, adding both moral weight and a civic lens to a growing chorus of voices calling for his release. Yakani, who heads the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), […]
Broken promises, delayed democracy: CEPO raises alarm
The civil society activist has expressed concern over the government’s failure to release funding for pre-election activities, despite earlier assurances from the presidency. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), in a statement on Thursday, revealed that the National Election Commission has yet to receive the promised financial support to […]
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 […]
