The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) South Sudan Chapter has been launched in Juba today, Monday, a civil society group said.

The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, said the ECOSOCC is an advisory body to the AU comprised of civil society organizations.

Edmund Yakani, CEPO’s Executive Director said the chapter is a platform for civil society organizations to voice their concerns to the regional African Union through contributing to the promotion of human rights, rule of law and good governance, democratic principles, gender equity and child rights.

In the event attended by 30 national civil society organizations, Yakani said, “The chapter is to empower South Sudan civil society organization on the implementation of AU-ECOSOCC action plan for implementation of AU agenda on silencing the guns by 2020.”

“The chapter will be active in charting the future of Africa and South Sudan and assured the quorum that ECOSOCC South Sudan chapter will work in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to domesticate AU policies and programs through the National ECOSOCC Chapter,” he added.

ECOSOCC presiding Officer, Hon. Richard Ssewakiryanga and former Deputy Presiding Officer, Hon. Ismael Knoo Onyanga from the Kenyan Chapter also attended the launch.