Be peace ambassadors, register and vote, WES youth leader tells youth

By The City Review

Odrande Taku Tangumi, Deputy Chairperson of the Western Equatoria State Youth Union. [Photo: Courtesy]

The Deputy Chairperson of the Western Equatoria State Youth Union Odrande Taku Tangumi has urged young people to reject violence, support peaceful elections and organize themselves into registered groups as the state prepares for the upcoming electoral period.

The youth leader called on young people from all communities, including those involved in armed activities, to work together with the government and other stakeholders to build a peaceful state where citizens can participate freely in political activities without fear of intimidation.

Addressing youth representatives and state leaders at Yambio freedom square on Monday during the reception of the Western Equatoria State caretaker governor, Taku emphasized that peace must remain a shared responsibility, particularly as political parties and candidates prepare to seek public support ahead of the elections.

He said young people should not allow differences in political or tribal affiliation to divide them, urging them instead to contribute to stability and the long-term development of the state.

Furthermore, the youth leader made a direct appeal to young people involved in armed activities to stop violence and embrace peaceful participation in community and political affairs.

Taki argued that resorting to violence would not provide young people with the better future they desire, including access to education, decent housing and improved living conditions.

The deputy chairperson encouraged young people to consider how insecurity affects their families, livelihoods and opportunities, stressing that a peaceful environment is essential for communities to develop. The appeal also called for an end to attacks on innocent civilians, urging youth to work collectively towards a state where people can live without fear.

He further encouraged cooperation between young people and government authorities, presenting dialogue and peaceful engagement as alternatives to violence.

The deputy chairperson also called on the caretaker state leadership to ensure that political parties and candidates can conduct their campaigns freely without intimidation or arbitrary arrest.

The speaker said a conducive political environment should allow candidates to move from payams to bomas and villages to present their programmes and engage directly with voters.

According to the youth leader, uninterrupted participation of political parties in the electoral activities would be an indication that citizens can participate meaningfully in the electoral process.

The appeal placed responsibility on the authorities to help maintain an environment in which political competition does not threaten public safety or undermine peaceful participation.

He also called for cooperation between the youth, government authorities and community leaders to help ensure that political competition does not lead to violence or attacks on civilians.