South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Young people and civil society representatives have called for stronger youth participation in South Sudan’s upcoming elections, asserting that the country’s future depends on their engagement in political and decision-making processes.
During a youth dialogue on civic engagement, Jackson Lado-Juma, a member of the Youth Power Space, expressed concern that many young people continue to distance themselves from politics, perceiving it as a domain reserved for politicians.
“Most of us think politics is only for politicians,” Lado-Juma stated. “But we need to realise that the leaders in office today began engaging when they were young. We must start now and encourage others to be part of the process.”
He emphasised that young people should take the initiative by seeking information and participating in political activities ahead of the polls.
“You cannot just stay home and expect change,” he said. “Young people need to attend training programmes and learn from mentors to build confidence and skills for leadership.”
Participants also underscored the importance of including persons with disabilities in political and electoral processes. Lado-Juma noted that inclusive participation strengthens democracy.
“When persons with disabilities are involved, everyone’s voice matters,” he added.
Meanwhile, Susan Alfred, a youth leader, urged young South Sudanese to be proactive in political engagement.
“Most decisions are made without youth involvement,” Alfred stated. “We should not wait for opportunities; we must go out and claim them. Those in leadership today participated when they were young; we can do the same.”
Alfred also called for enhanced support for women’s political participation, highlighting that cultural norms and economic challenges continue to hinder their involvement.
“Politics is not just for men — it is for everyone,” she stressed. “Women should be part of every decision-making process, including elections and constitution-making. Without their voices, the process is incomplete.”
She added that illiteracy, early marriage, and limited access to financial resources remain significant barriers preventing women from contesting or engaging in political life.
However, Noel Kaiga, the Executive Director of the national organisation Space, stated that civil society groups are using media and training to empower youth to demand accountability and transparency.
“We create spaces for dialogue and empower young people through the media,” he explained. “Social media is a powerful tool for awareness and advocacy. Youth should use it to demand their rights, not to target individuals, but to push for issues that matter.”
Kaiga urged young South Sudanese to remain focused and constructive as the country prepares for its long-awaited elections.
“We lost the election in 2024 because we did not demand it,” he said. “This time, youth must push for elections to happen — not delay them. Our message should be clear: we need elections to move forward.”
As South Sudan approaches the national polls, youth leaders and activists assert that their participation will determine whether the next chapter of the country’s history is one of inclusion, peace, and progress.