S. Sudan youths demand 10% representation in gov’t ArticleComments (0). Email PrintSave --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Executive members of the Greater Bahr el Ghazal youth union addressing the media in Juba, December 5, 2011 (Julius Uma/ST)But in a bizarre twist of events, the youth from the Greater Bahr el 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). -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
