CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani. | Photo by Radio Tamazuj.

Activist Edmund Yakani has appealed to government institutions in the states and administrative areas to ensure non-restriction of political space, as directed by President Salva Kiir last year.

In his New Year address on December 31, President Kiir declared the process of public engagement in the political transitional process through constitution-making, preparation for elections, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

The president also called for collective efforts of the citizens in making these political transition actions realistic.

The Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization said he welcomes the call “by H.E. President Salva Kiir on public engagement on the political transition.”

Yakani, however, said his organization has observed some essential restrictions on public and media engagement on the political transitional actions on constitution making and elections, among others.

He “strongly” urges President Kiir to ensure that non-restriction of civic and political space is observed by the various government authorities.

“It is absolutely important that various government authorities should observe the instructions of presidency dated 20th October, 2022 to Governors, Chief Administrators and County Commissioners on opening of political space together with the 6th Governors forum resolution 14 urging all leaders to respect civic and political space,” said Yakani.

The activist added that any restriction of civic and political space on public engagement and media role will lead to an increase in lack of trust and confidence in the political transitional tasks.

Opposition parties have since decried limited political space and freedom of expression in South Sudan.

There have been reports of arrest, detention, and harassment linked to political activities in some states.