Juba, South Sudan — The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) recently conducted a two-day training workshop in Juba to equip 21 women mediators with the skills and confidence to lead peacebuilding efforts across the country. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering a genuinely inclusive and sustainable transition from violence to peace in South Sudan.
Women Driving Peace Dialogue: At the heart of this long-term initiative is the belief that women must play a central role in shaping peace dialogues. By empowering women to become mediators, CEPO is promoting a strategic shift toward inclusive peace processes that reflect the voices and experiences of all South Sudanese citizens. The training emphasized the importance of women-led mediation in building trust and fostering dialogue among key stakeholders. This includes strengthening communication between South Sudan’s top political and military leaders—especially those who have felt marginalized or excluded from previous peace efforts.
Building a Unified Approach to Peace
Through this initiative, CEPO aims to:
- Enhance the capacity of women to mediate local and national conflicts
- Promote inclusive dialogue that bridges divides across political and military lines
- Increase trust among stakeholders, contributing to a more unified and resilient peace process
By investing in women as peacebuilders, CEPO is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and durable peace in South Sudan—one that reflects the aspirations of all communities and prioritizes reconciliation, healing, and national unity.
During the training, CEPO Director Calls for Political Engagement and Reconciliation to Rebuild Community Trust Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), underscored the urgent need for political engagement and reconciliation among diverse parties and leaders. , Yakani expressed deep concern over the prevailing lack of trust among citizens, which he described as a significant barrier to national cohesion and progress.
To address this challenge, participants were encouraged to attend targeted training and mentorship sessions designed to strengthen their engagement and dialogue skills. The initiative aims to equip individuals with the tools necessary to foster constructive relationships with political leaders and community representatives.
Yakani emphasized that building these relationships is essential for organizing future events focused on restoring trust and promoting collaboration within communities. He reiterated CEPO’s commitment to facilitating inclusive platforms that empower citizens and leaders to work together toward sustainable peace and development.
Strengthening Regional Solidarity: UNMISS and Partners Advocate Unified Action
UNMISS Gander and the Child Representative emphasized the critical role of solidarity missions led by both regional and sub-regional bodies. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to explore collaborative frameworks aimed at addressing complex regional challenges through unified and coordinated efforts.
the importance of these missions in fostering peace, stability, and resilience across affected communities. The necessity of harmonized approaches and mutual support among regional actors to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian and peacebuilding initiatives. UNMISS added reinforced expectations for active engagement from governments, civil society, and international partners. Stakeholders were urged to contribute resources, expertise, and political will to ensure the sustainability and impact of solidarity missions.
UNMISS remains committed to facilitating inclusive dialogue and promoting cooperative mechanisms that strengthen regional integration and safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children.
