WESTERN EQUATORIA – As South Sudan prepares for its first post-independence elections, the role of civil society in ensuring widespread public participation is key.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), therefore, recently handed over a newly constructed civic engagement center to the Network for Civil Society Organizations in Yambio, Western Equatoria.

Constructed through the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme, the building consists of three offices, a meeting room and toilet facilities.

“This center will go a long way in helping civil society organizations to support the holding of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections,” stated Wanga Emmanuel, Chairperson of the state’s Network for Civil Society Organisations.

“We will hold community engagements and reconciliation programmes here,” he added.

The inauguration of the center was a joyful moment for the residents present, as Peter Julius, a community leader from the area expressed.

“We appreciate the efforts made by UNMISS and our civil society representatives to ensure that everyone in our community can congregate to discuss key issues, learn new skills and do our part to help our country become a true democracy,” he averred.

This civic engagement center is expected to provide necessary services to the community while complementing the government’s work in peacebuilding.

James Bakoyogo Severino, state Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement highlighted its importance at the handover ceremony.

“This new center is a tangible asset that will benefit the entire community as we are heading towards elections. It will help greatly in educating the masses on the electoral processes and civic awareness,” stressed Minister Bakoyogo.

UNMISS Quick Impact Projects are small-scale, infrastructure-based projects that address urgent public needs.