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Juba: Alnaeem Mubarak Kuol
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is playing a major role in facilitating dialogue to promote peace in a country that has suffered from armed conflict and natural disasters.
As the country prepares to hold its first elections in the coming period at the end of the Transitional Government of National Unity’s two-year extension, there is a movement of ordinary people demanding that they be granted the right to participate in the upcoming electoral process, especially marginalized groups.
This community movement is evidence that people have united in a call for inclusion, especially in the making of a permanent constitution ahead of the elections. The community engagement, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in collaboration with the Civil Society Network in Western Equatoria, provided a platform for community leaders to enhance understanding and participation in political, electoral and governance processes.
Tito Manga Mambo, Chairperson of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, delivered a compelling message about their right to recognition and representation.
“People with disabilities have valuable insights,” he added. “Many of us are elders and have experiences that can enhance governance,” he said, expressing the hopes of many who believe they can contribute to national dialogues.
Esther Joseph, secretary of the Women’s Association, joined Tito in emphasizing the need for women’s voices to be heard from the grassroots level: “Women are the foundation of society because of their role, which starts within their families and extends to the political sphere, where they can share perspectives that allow them to shape a just and equitable charter.” “We are not just asking for inclusion, we are asking for leadership in this process,” she stressed.
This grassroots engagement is part of the broader “Peace Begins with Dialogue” campaign led by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, which aims to promote inclusive participation among traditional leaders, youth leaders, women, local authorities and influential individuals.
As the campaign expands across South Sudan, the message is that the path to lasting peace and effective governance begins with open and robust dialogue that champions the rights of all citizens and ensures that all voices are heard. At the conclusion of the event, participants renewed their will to stand united – ready to advocate for change, eradicate inequality, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future
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