The four-day youth conference in Eastern Equatoria state has ended with a call for youth to work closely with the state government to improve security and development.

The conference which brought together youth from the eight counties of the state discussed youth employment, security and conflict mitigation.

In a closing remark, the representative of UNICEF and Conflict Mitigation and Stabilization Initiative officer, John Voloch urge the youth in Eastern Equatoria to embrace peace:

“What is required of you is to be impartial, love all, unite them and be productive youth that can bring change to this state. The state government works closely with you, and you have to share with them the methodology you are going to involve in this process, and how you are going to come to conclusion. Bring peace to this state and you will be used as a model for the other nine states.”

The state deputy governor, Gama Surur, pledged to implement the resolution on unemployment, cattle raids and security in the state as raised by the youth:

“We will do our best to implement what you have agreed here. One of the things that we are going to denounce is tribal employment. This is what we must discourage a hundred percent.”

The conference however, ended with some controversies after a section accused Torit County commissioner of attempting to impose a youth leader from greater Kapoeta, into the executive body of the youth.

As a result, youths from Magwi, Lopa/Lafon and Ikotos boycotted the conference, protesting against Commissioner Charles Ojok’s involvement in the election of a youth from greater Kapoeta as chairman of the union.

“This is an allegation which is not true. I never went to the conference and gave those delegates some advice. I never did it,” Commissioner Ojok denied influencing the elections.

Mister Ojok appealed to the youth from various counties to work together for the stability of the state.

The conference was the first of its kind in which the state youth met to discuss issues which concern them.