December 12, 2023 – Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan, like much of the country as a whole, faces a volatile situation marked by conflict and instability. Ethnic tensions and political unrest persist, hindering social cohesion and impeding development. The region grapples with displacement and a fragile security environment, demanding urgent attention and concerted efforts to address underlying issues for lasting peace and stability.
These are conditions that demand, in our view, coordinated and mutually reinforcing efforts at lasting peace and sustainable development. By fostering stability, communities can focus on education, healthcare, and economic growth. Peaceful coexistence ensures the region’s prosperity, creating an environment where individuals can thrive, fostering social harmony and contributing to South Sudan’s overall progress.
To mainstream this approach among local stakeholders of South Sudan, WPDI recently conducted a capacity building training workshop on leadership, peace and human rights for honorable members of the Eastern Equatoria State Legislature Assembly (EESLA) and local organizations under the theme “Peace for Sustainable Development”. The participants were drawn from 8 Counties of Eastern Equatoria states, including Kapoeta East, Kapoeta North, Kapoeta South, Budi, Lafon, Torit, Magwi, and Ikwoto.
The 5-day program was attended by over 100 individuals, including the right honorable Speaker of the parliament, Chairpersons of specialized committees and their deputies, and members representing different constituencies of Eastern Equatoria counties.
The objective of the workshop was not only for the leaders to promote good governance and respect for human rights, but also to foster more inclusive, effective, and sustainable conditions for peace at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the workshop was also intended to promote a spirit of alliance and networking amongst the different individuals and parties in the parliament, highlighting values of collaboration, dialogue, tolerance and inclusion.
During the closing remarks of the workshop, the Right Honourable speak Mr. Severino Maria Januge acknowledged the importance of the training and stressed the transformative impact it had had on himself, saying “indeed this training has positive impact in my life as it touches my daily engagements with the community as people’s representative and has called for personal control of emotions while addressing and reacting to issues”. He added that, since the members of parliament were about to go back to their respective counties and constituencies for recess, they should work closely with partners at the grassroots levels to address local issues in earnest and acts as agents of peace, leaving political differences behind and focusing on the development of services that improve life for every one.
Members of parliament provided very positive feedback on the event. The Honorable Kokol Michael MP, representing Budi county said “Thank you WPDI for conducting this important training session. As an MP, I am privileged to have participated in this course.” He added that “this is the second time I have attended a course conducted by WPDI. The first training course that I attended helped me in resolving family disputes which might have resulted in bloodshed. The content of the workshop is connected to my needs since it encourages leadership and conflict resolution.”
Building the capacity of decision-makers to foster lasting peace and sustainable development in the State is an imperative journey. By integrating a long-term approach into environmental, economic, and social considerations, regional leaders will be better equipped to overcome challenges, uplift communities, and pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future sustainable practices, laying foundations for enduring peace and shared welfare.
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