Bloodshed in Tombura: Civil Society demands urgent action to halt ethnic killings
Tambura County in Western Equatoria State is once again the epicenter of deadly violence, with alarming reports of systematic killings, rape, looting, and forced displacement targeting certain community. Over the past week, villages such as Sanakpuru, Bangaru, Zangia, Kutu, and Nabaria have come under attack, forcing hundreds to flee into the forests without food, shelter, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Leadership must enable credible elections to end violence; activist urges authorities
As South Sudan moves toward its long-awaited elections, persistent delays have raised concerns about political stability and democratic progress. Analysts attribute these setbacks to the conflicting ambitions of individual leaders and the broader challenge of establishing a stable democratic system. The political and armed groups have often viewed elections and peace itself as threats to […]
CEPO pushes for inclusion of persons with disabilities in 2026 election process
As South Sudan inches towards its historic first national election in December 2026, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) is urging political leaders and electoral bodies to prioritize the inclusion and representation of persons with disabilities in the democratic process. In a statement, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, stressed the importance of ensuring that […]
Worsening human rights crisis in South Sudan’s conflict – Yakani
The ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan has led to grave human rights violations, with civilians enduring widespread atrocities as warring factions continue to commit shocking acts, including the humiliation and burning of deceased opponents. Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has described the scene a “clear evidence of the erosion of human dignity,” […]
Judicial accountability in focus as Yakani appeals for change
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has urged South Sudan’s judiciary to prioritize accountability and independence, calling on newly appointed Chief Justice Dr. Benjamin Baak Deng and his deputy to spearhead meaningful reforms. Yakani’s remarks come after President Salva Kiir emphasized the need for transparency and efficient justice delivery in a recent address during Dr. Baak’s […]
