Civic engagement center opens Yambio town

March 21, 2016 (YAMBIO) – A newly constructed center for civil society engagement, which was funded by the United States aid arm (USAID) officially opened in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state capital, Yambio on Monday.

The center head, Felix Phillip Danambutiyo, said the facility is a platform for civil society organizations to conduct their meetings and workshops without payment as it is equipped with internet, furniture and a conference hall.

It will also support effective, inclusive and accountable governance in South Sudan.

“The component of this program is divided into three: one will be to increase capacity of South Sudanese institutions to lead legitimate political processes which will include administer elections, review and revise the traditional constitutional, in preparation for the post-transition period,” said Danambutiyo.

The facility, officials said, will also enable political parties play a constructive roles in developing and sustaining South Sudan’s democratic system. It will also allow citizens’ involvement in political processes as well as decision making.

The center, to be supported by Democracy International, will also empower civil society entities in Western Equatoria to give skills and train them on how to disseminate the correct information about the compromise agreement, which South Sudan government signed with the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO).

“Democracy International brought together members from across Western Equatoria to train them on how to carry their activities in their are s because due to the insecurity in the state, opening branches may not be possible in counties but will remain in Yambio,” said the center’s director.

He however urged the various civil society groups to take good care of the facility and make good use of it because it has been a challenge for civil society groups to have access to such equipment to conduct their activities.

(ST)