Civil society requests meeting with visiting AU Panel of the Wise

By Awan Achiek

The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) on Tuesday requested a meeting with the visiting high-level delegation of the African Union Panel of the Wise which is due to arrive in Juba today.

The delegation is expected to engage with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, First Vice President Riek Machar Teny, and all the stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director for CPA, said in a statement that the meeting with the delegation is aimed at updating them about the key issues affecting the country before their discussions with Kiir and Machar.

 “CPA welcomes the arrival tomorrow of the African Union Panel of the Wise to the country to investigate the serious violations of the R-ARCSS and the house arrest of Dr. Machar, the main principal in the agreement,” he said.

Gatwech said the arrival of the delegation will help ease the situation that led some diplomats to close their embassies due to fears of renewed conflict.

“We hope they will use their extensive experience and knowledge to develop a lasting solution for the country,” he said.

Gatwech also encouraged South Sudanese youth in the country and diaspora to use social media responsibly, adding that misuse of social media could threaten the country’s stability.

“CPA reminds political leaders to think before they speak, as their words can contribute to the spread of hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation,” he said.

In addition, Gatwech called upon the diaspora community to utilize social media effectively to promote meaningful initiatives such as scholarships, workshop training, and fellowships that will help shape the future of the country.