CEPO warns South Sudan may miss December 2026 elections

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has warned that South Sudan risks failing to hold national elections scheduled for December 2026 due to delays in funding and political maneuvers that undermine the country’s electoral preparedness. Speaking on the release of CEPO’s seventh pre-election domestic observation report, covering January to March 2026, Edmond Yakani, Executive […]
Akobo in fear as civil society condemns SSPDF order targeting UNMISS base

Residents of Akobo County in Jonglei State are reportedly gripped by fear following an order by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) directing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), humanitarian agencies, and civilians to vacate the area within 72 hours. Civil society activists say the directive has heightened anxiety among local communities […]
AU’s AUC5 urged to pressure leaders on peace in South Sudan

Civil society activist Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has called on the African Union’s ad hoc peace mechanism, AUC5, to take decisive action to halt renewed fighting and push South Sudan’s leaders back to a peaceful political path. Speaking ahead of a side meeting on South Sudan held […]
Yakani urges Kiir to act on Kenya’s ceasefire and dialogue call

CEPO Executive Director Edmond Yakani has urged President Salva Kiir to act on Kenya’s call for a ceasefire and inclusive dialogue, warning that South Sudan’s transition remains fragile without decisive leadership. Yakani was responding to official statements issued after President William Ruto’s meeting with South Sudanese government representatives, in which Kenya called for an immediate […]
Adil named 2026 cancer advocacy ambassador

Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony has been named the 2026 Cancer Advocacy Ambassador, in recognition of his commitment to advancing cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment in South Sudan. The designation was announced following a meeting in Juba between Governor Adil and the South Sudan Cancer Association Network (SSCAN), led by its Chairperson, Dr. […]
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. […]