Civil Society Calls for Action on Past Governors Forum Resolutions in South Sudan
The Center for Peace and Advocacy urged the implementation of previous resolutions from the Governors Forum ahead of the 8th Annual Forum. They emphasized the need for accountability and focused discussions on critical issues, including security, economic challenges, and the repatriation of refugees. CPA’s Executive Director, Ter Manyang Gatwech, called for political elites to fulfill their promises to restore public trust and address poverty in South Sudan.
On November 23, 2024, the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a civil society organization in South Sudan, urged the immediate implementation of resolutions from last year’s Governors Forum held in Juba. This call comes ahead of the 8th Annual Governors’ Forum slated for November 25 to 29. The Governors Forum serves as a crucial policy platform where key stakeholders convene to discuss governance, economic strategies, security concerns, and the promotion of peace within the nation.
The Executive Director of CPA, Ter Manyang Gatwech, emphasized the importance of accountability and expressed concern over the lack of action regarding previous resolutions from the 6th and 7th Governors Forums. “There is a problem either within the office of the president or among ten governors and three administrators regarding the implementation of the resolutions,” Gatwech remarked. He pointed out that despite being tasked with promoting peace initiatives, very little progress has been made toward reconciliation in the nation.
Gatwech further argued that the forum should not waste public resources, which could be better utilized to support the citizens. He called for the current forum to focus on critical issues such as the transitional period extension, security arrangements, economic development, constitutional processes, upcoming elections, the population census, and the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons.
Moreover, he highlighted the urgent need for political elites to fulfill their commitments and restore public trust, noting that widespread poverty continues to afflict the majority of South Sudanese due to a lack of job opportunities created by the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity. Gatwech warned that without proper job creation, the nation’s security could be compromised as young individuals might turn to instability.
The quoted remarks and emphasis on collaboration between the government and civil society highlight the dire need for effective governance and accountability moving forward in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese Governors Forum is an annual event designed to engage policymakers in a dialogue concerning major national issues. It is particularly significant in addressing governance, economic, and security challenges that the nation faces. The previous forums have aimed to implement peace initiatives, but reports of unfulfilled resolutions have caused concern among civil society organizations. In this context, the call for accountability and the implementation of resolutions becomes critical for the stability and development of South Sudan.
In conclusion, the CPA’s appeal for the implementation of past resolutions from the Governors Forum underscores a pressing demand for accountability and effective governance in South Sudan. With significant issues pending resolution, including security and economic development, the upcoming forum presents an opportunity for political leaders to engage meaningfully and restore trust among the populace. It is essential that the recommendations laid out are acted upon to foster sustainable peace and development.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
