A South Sudanese youth advocacy group has presented a detailed review of young people’s representation in government, calling it a crucial step towards implementing a mandated quota.
The National Youth Development Policy reserves 20% of leadership positions for young people. With an estimated 72% of the population under 30, campaigners say their inclusion is vital for the country’s future.
The report, compiled by the organisation Markaz al Salam with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), details the number of young people in executive and legislative posts at national and state levels.
“We needed a document that can support our advocacy,” said Florence Agiba, Executive Director of Markaz al Salam. “If we don’t have the facts, then it’s difficult for us to advocate.”
She argued that excluding youth undermines effective governance. “If youth are at the table, they understand what is going on and they are part of it,” she told the validation forum in the capital, Juba.
The event on Thursday brought together officials, youth leaders, and development partners to discuss the findings.
Constructive engagement
Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor, Paulino Lokudu Obede, urged young people to develop political awareness based on ideology rather than tribal affiliation.
He also criticised the exclusion of persons with disabilities from youth forums, calling them “very crucial people”.
Michael Gorjin Kuol, Project Coordinator for NPA, encouraged peaceful political participation. “There is an alternative to violence,” he said, emphasising persuasion and engagement as pathways to leadership.
Deng Mathiang, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee for Youth and Sports, urged youth to join political parties and work within existing structures, acknowledging that reaching leadership “is a process”.
Unity and responsibility
Taban Paride Lokasmoi, Chairperson of the South Sudan Youth Union, echoed calls for unity, telling attendees that “your right will never be given to you on a silver plate”.
He advocated for a High-Level Youth Engagement Forum to amplify young voices in decision-making.
The forum concluded with a consensus on the need for better data, civic education, and intergenerational cooperation to turn the youth policy into concrete representation.