A youth group from Torit, Ikotos and Lopit in Eastern Equatoria State Thursday reiterated its demands that job opportunities be created for youth by the government.
These demands were made in a public rally in Torit town. The rally, attended by hundreds of youth and state government cabinet, discussed the role the local youth can play in keeping peace and advocating for issues affecting their communities.
Conflicts over employment inequalities last year led to the imprisonment of over 20 youth for demanding the evacuation of foreign workers within 48 hours from the state.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Chairperson for the youth group Monyiemiji Forum, Okumang Moxon, said his group wants the state government to offer scholarships for local youth and job opportunities in private and public institutions.
Moxon urged the government to open learning institutions in areas where schools are not operating to reduce the high illiteracy rate among their communities.
“The Monyiemiji Forum advocates for equity in employment within the government and other employing agencies regardless of tribes of origin. We also advocate for opening economic activities like grants and loans to empower youth women and people with disability. We also advocate for unity among the tribes of Eastern Equatoria state through dialogue,” he said.
Meanwhile, Torit County Commissioner Jacob Attari Albano called for a coordination meeting between the state government and NGOs to avoid targeting youth who got involved in demonstrations last year.
Albino warned youth against laziness and spending time playing dominoes instead of doing everyday work. “The only mistake that they did is when they gave an ultimatum, but even from the beginning we were standing with them, but after giving an ultimatum, everyone ran away because it was against the law,” he said.
Margret Idwa, Eastern Equatoria State Minister for Youth and Sports, encouraged the government and community members to create a conducive environment for youth to conduct positive activities that lead to development in the state.
“Take these messages loud and clear. I want to announce this for our youth, do not take the law into your hands no matter how good your complaints are, and learn to be people who can solve problems. I will be working hand in hand together with you together with our governor, she said.
For his part, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore blamed political leaders and communities in the area for fueling conflicts in villages, saying they only talk good things during public rallies but with hidden agendas.
Lobong, however, pledged to support the youth in positive aspects for state socio-economic development.
“All the youth, we want you to be very creative, be active, be hardworking because we, the elders, our time is almost over. Why do people play dominoes 24 hours? Why are people drinking alcohol every day? We didn’t taste alcohol during our time,” Governor Lobong said.
Monyiemiji is a societal ruling age set responsible for social and economic development in Otuho-speaking communities. It is a standard for protecting the elders, women, children and animals.
The Monyiemiji Forum was initiated in Torit in November 2019 to combat unemployment and insecurity in Ikotos, Lopit and Torit counties.