Mr. Kenneth Mpyisi, Coordinator African Inter Party Network (AIPDN) and Regional Director of Social Innovation Africa (SIA) traveled to Juba, South Sudan from 17th-21st March 2024 to hold discussions with key stakeholders in support of the forthcoming collaborative initiative on inclusive dialogue and participation of youth and women during the electoral process in South Sudan. The initiative is a collaboration between the African Interparty Dialogue Network (AIPDN), Gender Empowerment for South Sudan Organization (GESSO), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development/Mediating Support Unit (IGAD/MSU), and National Democratic Institute (NDI).
During his visit, Mr. Mpyisi met with Hon. Aya Benjamin Libo Warille, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare , Members of Parliament (women and youth caucuses), Mr. David Kwaje, Head of Mission, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) South Sudan, Major General Hailu Gonfa Eddosa, Chairperson Ceasefire and Transitional Security Agreements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM and Executive Director, Ms. Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, Executive Director, Gender Empowerment for South Sudan Organization (GESSO). They all expressed their willingness to be engaged the project which they considered to be very timely and relevant
Hon. Aya Benjamin Libo Warille, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare emphasized the importance of inclusivity in all the ongoing activities and pledged the full support of her Ministry. And proposed that AIPDN enters into an MoU with her Ministry. A partnership agreement between AIPDN and GESSO was formalized. The two organizations intend to collaborate on research, capacity building training technical support in areas of peace, security, good governance and sustainable development.
Recognizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue, the project acknowledges the wisdom and experience that older generations bring to the political discourse. Simultaneously, it underscores the significance of youth and women’s active involvement, as their perspectives are integral to building an inclusive and representative democratic society. Inclusivity, in the context of age and gender, is fundamental for a robust and holistic democratic process.
Beyond the electoral period, the project aims to leave a lasting legacy by empowering the youth and women as agents of positive change in their communities. Through capacity-building initiatives, the project seeks to equip young leaders with the skills necessary for community development, conflict resolution, and sustained civic engagement.