A group of young individuals in Lakes State is calling on the government to transform the rural youth from a culture of violence to lasting peace. While the Lakes State government has managed to restore stability after years of bloody communal violence, youth leaders emphasize the need for permanent solutions to prevent future conflicts. Pakeui Marial, the Lakes State Youth Union Secretary for Information, suggests that empowering young people through economic activities can provide an alternative to violent means of acquiring resources. He also urges comprehensive disarmament of South Sudanese youth and their involvement in peace initiatives and sustainable activities. Mr. Marial further advocates for engaging youth in peacebuilding through sports and cultural activities at the state and national level.
In response to the prevailing subnational conflicts in various parts of South Sudan, including Lakes State, the United Nations emphasizes the importance of addressing localized violence to achieve long-term peace. To tackle these issues affecting young people, the Community Initiative for Development Association partnered with UNESCO to engage the youth in a development strategy called Youth, Peace, and Security for South Sudan. The consultation, conducted in Rumbek city, aimed to gain insights into the challenges faced by young people in participating in peace processes within their communities and inform the development of a national strategy on youth, peace, and security.
Apart from advocating for disarmament and peace initiatives, the youth leaders also underline the significance of job opportunities for young people. They believe that creating a conducive environment to attract investors and private sectors into the country will provide employment opportunities for the youth. By availing employment opportunities, the government can help young individuals contribute positively to society.
In line with these efforts, Juzella Agar Juma, Director General for Culture, Youth, and Sports in Lakes State, emphasizes the need to empower youth and orient them towards peace. She believes that peace is essential for building a prosperous nation and highlights youth involvement in decision-making as a crucial aspect of maintaining peace.
The consultation on Youth, Peace, and Security for South Sudan aligns with the United Nations Security Council resolution 2250, which encourages increased representation of youth in decision-making processes. The resolution calls for measures to support local youth peace initiatives, involve youth in the implementation mechanisms of peace agreements, and facilitate an inclusive environment for youth actors from different backgrounds.
The efforts towards transforming rural youth from a culture of violence to lasting peace emphasize the protection of girls and women during armed conflicts. Ojupaku Jamila, a Peace Monitor with the South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation group, stresses the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and providing necessary health services and psychological support to survivors.
Grace John Kenyi, the Project Manager for Community Initiative for Development Association, states that the Youth, Peace, and Security for South Sudan initiative aim to enhance youth participation in decision-making. The project will ensure increased participation of young women and men through a youth-led strategy on youth, peace, and security. The organization plans to consult young people in other parts of the country to enable their positive contributions to the development of the national strategy.
Overall, the call to transform rural youth from a culture of violence to lasting peace highlights the need for comprehensive disarmament, involvement of youth in peace initiatives, economic empowerment, and youth participation in decision-making. These efforts aim to create a conducive environment that promotes peace and allows young individuals to contribute positively to society.
