By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has inaugurated a Multipurpose Training Centre and Special Protection Unit in Magwi County, Eastern Equatorial State.
The Special Protection Unit provides the entry points and paths for victims and witnesses to report crimes at the community level. Returnees and host communities often rely on local authorities for access to essential social services and input into development policies.
The Multipurpose Community Training Center in Magwi County, constructed by UNDP with Japanese funding, plays a pivotal role in fostering local ownership and improving service delivery.
The facility serves as a vital platform for dialogue and conflict resolution, offering training programs designed to equip community members with essential skills in conflict management and peacebuilding.
These programs aim to empower local administrators with practical tools for development planning and budgeting.
The initiative also engages traditional leaders to reinforce community ownership and sustainability, with county officials tasked with monitoring community infrastructure to enhance governance and social accountability.
UNDP’s intervention in EES includes support for strengthening peace infrastructures, aiming to increase the involvement of youth and women in peace committees and to build social cohesion through trauma healing and reconciliation initiatives, fostering trust within communities.
Additionally, UNDP also launched a “disarming the minds” campaign to address arms proliferation and instil a sense of security within returning and hosting communities.
Speaking at the launch, Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for their support and urged the Magwi community to maintain peaceful coexistence to attract further development projects.
Governor Lobong pledged to collaborate with development partners to secure additional funding for grassroots initiatives, including those led by UN agencies.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and building trust with implementing partners.
Lobong thanked the Japanese government for its investment in Magwi County and encouraged the community to utilize the Multipurpose Training Centre effectively.
He emphasized that both facilities should serve the well-being of the citizens and called for community ownership to ensure their longevity for future generations.
In his remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Mohamed Abchir acknowledged the unwavering collaboration and support from the Government of Eastern Equatoria and the commitment by Japan to promoting peace and development in South Sudan.
He reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at consolidating peace, reducing the humanitarian footprint, and supporting sustainable development in Eastern Equatoria.
Ambassador Toshio Odagiri of Japan expressed gratitude to UNDP for completing the Multipurpose Community Center.
He expressed hope that the community’s leaders and stakeholders would effectively utilize the facility to provide necessary support and resources to those in need.
Ambassador Odagiri also extended thanks to the Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, the Government of South Sudan, and the state and local leadership for their commitment to achieving peace in the region.
In addition, he reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering support for peace, security, and development, highlighting their importance for the long-term stability and prosperity of the nation.