By Waure Eddy
The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CODEP), in collaboration with South Sudan’s National Ministry of Peace Building and with funding from the African Union, has organized a one-day training on international dialogue for youth at-risk in Western Equatoria State.
The initiative comes at a critical time, as many young people in South Sudan remain excluded from meaningful participation in civic life and are vulnerable to political manipulation and violence. The training emphasized youth engagement through dialogue and collaboration, aiming to empower local youth structures and provide mentoring opportunities.
Organizers highlighted the international dimension of the dialogue as key to rebuilding trust, confidence, and connection between youth, stakeholders, and elders. The program sought to foster mutual understanding and collaboration across generations, strengthening the social fabric of communities in Western Equatoria.
The event brought together youth from ten counties, government officials, local chiefs, church leaders, and women’s groups.
Speaking at the opening, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala urged participants to take the training seriously and use the skills gained to strengthen peace efforts:
“Our community needs nothing else but peace. I went to Malakal last month and the situation was terrible. I could feel tears because our people are suffering from the absence of peace,” he said.
Hiiboro encouraged civil society organizations from the ten counties to develop projects that build stronger communities, stressing that peace must remain the foundation of all efforts.
Johnathan Bage, Chairperson of the Yambio County Youth Union, expressed gratitude to CODEP for addressing challenges faced by young people.
“We will work hand in hand to ensure our youth talk about peace in South Sudan. I urge all youth from the ten counties to be active during this training and return with new knowledge that will help them in the future.”
Fr. Tamaregu, representing CODEP, praised the initiative and the enthusiasm of the youth.
“I am deeply happy to see our young people from across Western Equatoria State come together for dialogue. This project is not just about training it is about giving our youth a voice, building confidence, and preparing them to be agents of peace in their communities.”
The newly appointed Town Mayor, Her Worship Foiza Abass Barnaba, also commended the training.
“This program is timely and essential. Our youth are the backbone of society, and when they are empowered with dialogue and skills, they become protectors of peace rather than victims of violence.
As local government, we stand ready to support initiatives that strengthen unity and development in Yambio and beyond.”
