7 March 2014 - To discuss a draft constitution and youth activities, the Eastern Equatoria State Youth Union officially opened its General Assembly at Magwi County headquarters today.

Bringing together youth delegates from eight state counties, the three-day forum drew 76 members.

“I urge all youth to think deeper over the question of cattle raiding, insecurity, unemployment and HIV/AIDS,” said Youth Union President Epone Emmanuel Lolimo.

“We don’t want violence in in our State,” Mr. Lolimo said. “With war there are no winners. The wounds caused in the search for a nation can be healed through forgiveness.”

He noted that the Union had been operating without a constitution and guiding principle document to authenticate its programme since it was established in 2013.

If the draft constitution was deliberated and passed without amendment, it would pass into law, Mr. Lolimo said. Its registration would help the Union operate legally and lobby for support from partners and non-governmental organizations.

Magwi County Commissioner Francis Okech Oteka urged youth to act as agents of peace and refuse to be used by politicians to incite conflicts.

The state government had pledged support to the Youth Union and donated a Toyota Landcruiser to help mobilize activities, said Acting Governor Gerome Gama Suru. He urged youth to work together for peace and be exemplary to other states of South Sudan.