South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The government of South Sudan has been tasked with the opening up of civic space.
According to the chairperson for the South Sudan Civil Society Forum, Galdino Ochama Ojok, opening up civic will tally with the prescription of the transitional constitution of the country.
“We are appealing to the government to provide civic space,” Ojok said during a workshop in Juba yesterday.
“When we talk freely, surely we can understand each other. Civic space must be there. It is better if we can have common understanding.”
The workshop was organized at the South Sudan Council of Churches premise.
“We are looking at issues of peace building. It is quite unfortunate that our people are fighting among themselves, the civic space is not there for them to understand their roles, live together and coexist,” Ojok said.
Justin Badi Arama, the Primate and Archbishop for Episcopal Church of South Sudan said the church is working hard to ensure the people of South Sudan embrace peace across the country.
“The church stand for total peace in this country, we are tired of war but unfortunately we still see violence around the country, our people should embrace peace and distance themselves from continued violence and bloodshed,” said Arama.
“Whatever the condition, it should not make us to hate ourselves or to talk ills of others, we need to promote spirit of love, spirit of peace and unity, we do not need to have violence again in this country,” he said.
Jackline Nasiwa, the deputy chairperson for South Sudan Civil Society Forum said the forum is concerned over “restricted” civic space, and that opening it is critical in democratic society.
“Civic space is very critical for any democratic election to happen. People need to give their views and people also need to participate in conducive environment,” said Nasiwa.
“I believe without political will to start a new beginning, we will not move forward, we need to start humbling ourselves and leaders need to humble themselves, we do not need to negotiate how we move our country,” she said.
