Activist Calls on Political Aspirants to Prioritize Citizens’ Interests

By Anak Dut Malual

Lakes State-based civil society activist on Thursday urged on political aspirants in South Sudan to put citizens’ interests and national welfare at the center of their political agendas ahead of the planned 2026 general elections.

In a press release issued in Rumbek on Thursday, Daniel Laat Kon, the state coordinator for the Community Empowerment Progress Organization called on aspiring candidates to focus on issues affecting ordinary citizens and avoid using politics to advance personal or narrow interests.

“We welcome participation as a sign of political will. However, we remind all aspirants that South Sudan is tired of politics that divides and destroys,” Laat said.

Laat warned against campaigns that could fuel tribal divisions, incite violence, or heighten political tensions.

He said communities had already suffered the consequences of cattle-related violence, land disputes and revenge killings, while many citizens continue to face limited access to basic essential services.

“We have buried enough youth in cattle-related violence, land disputes, and revenge killings. We have seen enough promises without services,” Laat said.

He called on politicians not to use communities merely to secure votes and then abandon them once elections are over.

“Our message is clear: do not use our communities for votes and then abandon them later,” he said, while urging candidates to avoid hate speech, tribal mobilization, and incitement during campaigns.

Laat warned that political campaigns should not undermine the fragile peace currently enjoyed by some communities.

“The little peace that some communities are enjoying should not be destroyed by your campaigns,” Laat said.

He urged candidates to focus their campaigns on key development priorities, including access to clean drinking water, roads, schools and healthcare facilities.

“We encourage aspirants to tell us how you will provide clean drinking water, roads, schools, and health centers – not how you will defeat your opponent,” he said.

He also called for greater political inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities, stressing that meaningful representation should go beyond political slogans.

“Inclusion is not a slogan. We want to see women, youth, and persons with disabilities in your nomination lists,” he said.

On accountability, he called on political aspirants to declare their assets and explain the sources of their campaign financing.

“Any politician whose supporters engage in violence, hate speeches, incitements, or intimidation of voters and CSOs should be disqualified,” he said.

Laat acknowledged that South Sudan continues to face significant governance challenges, but said the upcoming elections could provide citizens with an opportunity to demand accountable and responsive leadership.

“South Sudan is far from good governance, but elections are a chance to begin. Do not turn this chance into another conflict,” he said.

Laat said citizens need leaders who can deliver tangible improvements rather than make promises during election campaigns.

 “We will continue to do civic education in villages, cattle camps, and payams. We will monitor campaigns and amplify grassroots voice.”