South Sudanese activist to head regional civil society forum
May 5, 2023 (ARUSHA) – A renowned South Sudanese civil society activist, has been elected as the president of the East African Civil Society Organisation’s Forum (EACSOF) for the period 2023-2024.
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), was elected during the East African Civil Society Summit held under the theme; “Harnessing citizens’ prosperity in EAC and AfCFTA integration processes” in Arusha, Tanzania from May 3-5.
The annual summit brought together over 300 representatives from regional civil society organizations, EAC institutions and organs, EAC partner states, academia and development partners from the region to amplify citizens’ voices and concerns above important matters in order to complement government’s initiatives and hasten socio-development within the region.
“This remarkable move is for the South Sudanese civil society family. I and the rest of the East African Community civil society team will work in the best interest of regional integration processes,” said Yakani.
The 2017 civil defenders award winner vowed to proactively engage with regional member state governments for successful regional integration that meets best interest of citizens within the region.
Formed in 2007, East African Civil Society Forum is the premier platform organization that brings together civil society organizations in the East Africa region. Its overall goal is to have an EAC integration process that is inclusive of the voice of East African citizens and responsive to the needs and the demands of the people.
(ST)