CEPO Director Edmund Yakani | Photo: File/ Office of the President

Civil society leader Edmund Yakani is calling on the country’s political leaders to engage in an inclusive national dialogue before conducting elections scheduled for the end of this year.

Yakani, who is the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), warns that a lack of consensus could undermine prospects for a peaceful vote.

He says political leaders in the country continue to be influenced by historical grievances dating back to the struggle for independence, affecting their ability to build trust and work together.

According to him, these grievances have shaped political attitudes that favour confrontation rather than peaceful dialogue in resolving political disputes.

“We are now fully convinced that the current political class in public governance has serious issues to deal with. These issues stem from fresh historical grievances linked to their struggle for South Sudan’s independence, either at individual or group level,” he said.

Yakani argues that a credible, peaceful and non-violent election can only be achieved through an inclusive political dialogue that brings together all stakeholders without preconditions.

“And those historical grievances are shaping their political behaviour and attitudes towards each other. It is those grievances that have influenced their thinking, beliefs and approach towards transitioning South Sudan from violence to peace,” he added.

The civil society leader urged the incumbent government to take the lead in facilitating a genuine and timely political transition by convening an inclusive dialogue involving all political actors.

Yakani added that South Sudanese should have an opportunity to participate in a comprehensive national dialogue before political campaigns begin and before voters head to polling stations.