Minister urges new youth leaders to be patriotic

May 27, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Youth and Sports minister, Joseph Geng Akech has urged the newly elected members of the country’s youth union to remain patriotic and prioritize the interests of citizens.

He was speaking after the election of new leaders of the country’s youth union.

Six candidates viewed for positions in the executive, council and advisory roles.

Eastern Equatoria State’s Taban Paride Lokasmoi was elected the president of the youth union, obtaining 48 votes while William Mapuor Marial ganrned 46 votes.

Other candidates, Emmanuel Lado Kose got 11 votes, Bush Buse obtained 8 votes while Biyare Lawrence Riruyo got 4 votes. James Ayok Lual pulled out of the race.

The minister said the election was not meant to categorize aspirants as losers and winners, but the winner would be the country and not an individual youth leader.

“As for this election, some would say there will be losers, but I would say they would all be winners. There will be no loser because you would vote peacefully and you would respect one another,” he remarked.

He described the election as successful, urging youth leaders to serve the nation.

According to the youth minister, the convention took place at the time when the country’s leaders are preparing for general elections due in December this year.

A total of 137 delegates from all the states and three administrative areas attended the convention that discussed important issues affecting the youth.

Prior to the election, members passed an amendment to the youth constitution.

South Sudan Youth Union (SSYU) was formed in 2011, with the primary objective to serve as a body that brings together young people under one umbrella in order to collectively present their demands to the government with one voice.

(ST)