S. Sudan youths demand 10% representation in gov’t
By Julius N. Uma
December 5, 2011 (JUBA) — For years, they had been silent, yet they
account for more than half of South Sudan’s population, according to
the widely disputed national housing and population census conducted
in 2008.
Ghazal Youth Union (GBYU) have emerged to advocate for a 10%
representation at all levels of South Sudan government. The current
transitional constitution only provides 75% and 25% representation for
men and women respectively.
“We propose that the youth are included in leadership with 10 percent
seats at all levels of the government,” Angok Arthur Akuien, the GBYU
chairperson told journalists at a press conference held in Juba, the
South Sudan capital.
The decision, he added, was part of the numerous resolutions derived
at the end of a four-day convention held last week in Aweil, the
Northern Bahr el Ghazal state capital. The youth strategy and planning
conference, conducted under the theme, “united we stand” brought
together about 150 youth from the states of Warrap, Lakes, Northern
and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Akuien urged the country youth to foster unity and strive towards
ensuring that their activities are above partisan slogans, tribal
lines and any other divisive ideologies through inclusion,
constructive dialogue and respect for each other’s opinions.
“We as youth shall play a positive role in promoting peace and
security in our respective states, through supporting dialogue and
encouraging peace building initiatives,” he said, adding that
fostering strong inter-community relationships within the region and
its neighboring communities will be paramount.
The youth attending the convention further agitated for more
government commitment in efforts to achieve the UN Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) on universal primary education, improvement
in agriculture, gender equality and a peaceful resolution to the
conflict in the disputed Abyei region.
Barjok Maduok Akoon, the chairperson of Greater Upper Nile, Bahr el
Ghazal and Equatoria Youth Association (GUBEYA) lauded the resolutions
derived at the convention, urging the youth to act as volunteers in
nation-building processes.
“Volunteerism is a power means to engage young people in tackling
development challenges as part of efforts to foster progress,” Akoon
told Sudan Tribune in a separate interview.
(ST).