EASTERN EQUATORIA – As tensions increase across the country, threatening the Revitalized Peace Agreement, civil society organizations, journalists, and youth in Magwi are uniting to challenge the systems that are restricting the civic space and preventing public participation in political, peace and economic processes.

“Our goal is to promote human rights, encourage inclusive decision-making, and enhance awareness of civic and political space in remote areas of the state. We need support to reach the entire community,” said Otema James Diken, Coordinator for Civil Society Organizations in Magwi.

This commitment was reinforced during a forum organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Torit.

The discussions focused on enhancing the capacity of civil society, journalists, youth, and leadership groups to engage in political and democratic processes ahead of the 2026 election.

“Civic and political space is the right to use your voice to advocate for the rights of others, even when those rights don’t directly affect you. It involves standing up for yourself and participating in politics through campaigns or voting.  Moving forward, use your voice and collaborate with your leaders,” asserted UNMISS Human Rights Officer Alice Nassaka.

“It is important that targeted groups understand the civic space and the power of freedom of expression, assembly and association, to ensure that civic space does not shrink,” added Nassaka.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn from external facilitators from Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) and Peace Link Foundation, both of which are part of the Civil Society Network in Eastern Equatoria state.

Magwi County Commissioner, Pole Pole Benjamin Olum, urged the 40 participants, including community leaders and women representatives, to engage in ongoing peace processes to ensure the country’s transition is an inclusive one.