The Center for Peace and Advocacy in South Sudan has urged the government to implement resolutions from prior governors’ forums, stressing accountability. Ahead of the eighth forum, set for November 25-29, concerns over the effectiveness and outcomes of previous meetings are highlighted. Executive Director Ter Manyang Gatwech calls for focus on key national issues, insisting that political leaders must act to rebuild trust and ensure national security and economic stability.
A civil society organization in South Sudan, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), has called for the immediate implementation of resolutions from the previous governors’ forums, specifically those from 2022. These forums, which will reconvene from November 25 to November 29 for their eighth installment, represent a critical policy platform aimed at addressing governance, economy, security, and peace.
In a statement made prior to the upcoming forum, CPA’s Executive Director, Ter Manyang Gatwech, highlighted significant accountability issues, questioning the reasons behind the lack of action on resolutions from the past two gatherings. He stated, “There is a problem either within the office of the president or among ten governors and three administrators regarding the implementation of the resolutions from the 6th and 7th Governor’s Forums.” He is particularly concerned about the failure to act on peace initiatives that were meant to unite the fractured populace of South Sudan.
Mr. Gatwech criticized the tendency for such forums to become an extravagant use of resources without tangible benefits for the citizens. He urged that the discussions this year should focus on pressing issues such as the extension of the transitional period, security frameworks, economic issues, the constitutional-making process, forthcoming elections, the population census, repatriation of refugees, and the status of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
He emphasized the need for political leaders to fulfill their commitments to regain public trust, noting the increasing poverty levels and lack of employment resulting from an ineffective government. “Without decent jobs, national security is at risk, as many young people are likely to contribute to instability in the country,” he warned. Furthermore, he advocated for a stronger partnership between the government and civil society to foster effective governance and social stability during these trying times.
This year’s forum carries the theme “Forging Sustainable Peace: Committed Action in the Extended R-ARCSS Transition,” highlighting the collective objective of promoting peace and unity amidst ongoing challenges in South Sudan.
The governors’ forum in South Sudan serves as a prominent platform for discussing and resolving policy issues related to governance, economic development, security, and peace initiatives. The gatherings have historically aimed to address the critical challenges facing the nation, particularly following years of conflict. The CPA’s push for accountability reflects ongoing concerns about the lack of implementation of previous resolutions and the necessity for substantial government action to ensure stability and progress for the South Sudanese populace.
In conclusion, the Center for Peace and Advocacy’s call for the enforcement of resolutions from earlier governors’ forums underscores the critical need for accountability among South Sudanese leaders. With the upcoming forum focusing on significant national issues, it is essential for political figures to prioritize and take meaningful action towards peace and stability, thus fostering trust and addressing the pressing challenges faced by the citizens of South Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
