South Sudan Youth Urged to Resist Manipulation and Violence

Lona James Elia, Deputy Chairperson of the Political Parties’ Council in South Sudan, warned youth against participating in violence and criminal activities. She highlighted the exploitation of young people for political gain, urging them to reject manipulation. Emphasizing the demographic significance of the youth, she called for investments in their future as the key to the nation’s prosperity.

In South Sudan, Lona James Elia, the Deputy Chairperson of the Political Parties’ Council, has expressed concern regarding the rising involvement of youth in violence and crime. During an open session at the University of Juba, she urged young individuals to refuse manipulation for destructive ends. She highlighted the troubling trend of youth participating in criminal gangs, questioning who is accountable for this situation.

James further indicated that many individuals exploit the youth for their personal agendas, which ultimately breeds violence. She cautioned them against such negative influences and emphasized the need for resilience among the youth against political manipulation. “Youth have become involved in new forms of criminality, particularly through gangs known as niggers Toronto, but who is responsible?” she questioned.

In her address, James pointed out that politicians often use young people during elections to incite violence against opponents and then neglect them once in office. She stated, “Politicians only use you when we want you to perpetuate and support our interests, but once we get to those positions, we ignore you.”

Highlighting the large demographic of youth, which constitutes 60 to 70 percent of South Sudan’s population, James called for significant investment in their future as a pathway to national prosperity. She asserted that true development hinges on recognizing leadership qualities irrespective of gender, stating, “We are looking at leadership, not at gender perspective, but in terms of expertise, knowledge…not as wives, productive machines, and not as cooking experts, but as professionals.”

The remarks by Lona James Elia underscore the critical issue of youth engagement in South Sudan, urging them to resist political manipulation and violence. With the youth making up a substantial part of the population, James advocates for their empowerment and the need for societal investment in their future, emphasizing the importance of recognizing expertise over gender stereotypes.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org