Greater Equatoria youth declare support for federalism
June 10, 2014 (JUBA) – Youth leaders from South Sudan’s Greater Equatoria region have declared their support for federalism, saying the system of governance underscores the common position already adopted by their leaders.
“It’s our moral responsibility to participate in [the] establishment of a system that suits and fosters peace, development and delivery of social services to entire citizens of South Sudan without creating imbalances and discriminations”, the youth said in a statement.
The youth leaders also lauded the governors of Central and Western Equatoria states for openly advocating for federalism, which they consider to be in line with the interest of their respective citizens.
Central Equatoria state governor, Clement Wani Konga initially made the call for federalism at last week’s Greater Equatoria states conference held in the capital, Juba and this was reiterated by his Western Equatoria state counterpart, Joseph Bakosoro on Monday.
“It’s now very clear that our country is heading to irreversible decision that required unity, trust and commitment from all sides of citizens and leaderships alongside those who might carry deliberate evil plans in contradiction to the popular will of the people of Greater Equatoria and South Sudan as well,” partly reads the statement.
“We concur with Central Equatoria state governor in stating that the demands of people through dialogue must not be mixed with misinformation,” it added.
E. EQUATORIA URGED TO ADOPT STANCE
Meanwhile the youth leaders urged the governor of Eastern Equatoria state, Louise Lobong Lojore, to equally sensitise citizens on the benefits of the adoption of a federal system of governance.
In their statement, the group also advised youth in the Greater Equatoria region to prepare themselves for the management of public affairs.
“It’s our strong believe to struggle for just freedom, equality and final liberty for the people of South Sudan who, since 2005, have failed get the fruits of the freedom they have fought for”, it stressed.
While officially opening the country’s national assembly last week, South Sudan president Salva Kiir proposed that citizens should be allowed to decide on what system of governance they wanted instead of imposing federalism onto them as demanded by the country’s opposition group.
(ST)