The South Sudan Ministry of Youth and Sports has urged youth associations across the country to refrain from engaging in partisan politics, stressing that such involvement contradicts their founding mandates.
In a press release issued Monday, seen by The Nile Witness, the Ministry expressed concern over what it described as an “alarming pattern” of youth bodies being used as political instruments, rather than pursuing their core objective of promoting socio-economic development.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports calls on all youth associations to strictly operate within the confines of their relevant constitutive regulations and to adhere to their non-partisan and non-political orientations,” the statement resoundingly read.
Furthermore the youth Ministry emphasized the critical role young people play in peace building, fostering national unity, and driving development in the country.
It urged youth across all states to channel their talents, energy, and creativity towards constructive nation-building efforts.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan acknowledges the important role youth play in peace building, strengthening national unity and fostering development. Achieving these noble national ambitions requires youth’s collective thrust of talent, intellect and positive energies,” the statement added.
This warning by the government came after the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) issued a strong condemnation to the Awan Chan Youth Association for their recent statement which accused the government for arresting individuals from the Awan Chan community, alleging that the office of the vice president for economic cluster was behind the move.
Meanwhile the Ministry cautioned that youth associations found defying its directive could face deregistration.
While reaffirming its commitment to empowering young people, the Ministry called on youth leaders to uphold neutrality and promote peace, unity, and development, warning that politicization risks undermining the progress made in strengthening social cohesion.