By Bosco Bush
Civil society activist, Ter Manyang decried “exclusion” of South Sudan from participation in a global prestigious Community Solutions Program (CSP).
The activist demands that the United States (US) Embassy in Juba gives an explanation on the matter.
The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a year-long professional leadership development program for established community leaders working to improve their communities by addressing issues related to democracy and human rights, environment, peace and conflict resolution, and women and gender.
Manyang, who leads the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a human rights organization released a statement yesterday (Friday) expressing concerns about the country’s exclusion for the past consecutive 2years.
“The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) calls on the U.S. Embassy in Juba to clarify the exclusion of South Sudan from the Community Solutions Program for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 cycles,” partly read the statement.
He said last year’s applicants from South Sudan, including members of his organization did not receive any feedback on their application status, adding that this lack of response may discourage South Sudanese citizens from applying for future opportunities offered by the United States government.
“CPA seeks clarification from the U.S. Government regarding the exclusion of South Sudan from the Community Solutions Program for 2024-2025. Many South Sudanese citizens have reached out to CPA, requesting the U.S. Embassy in Juba to provide concrete and satisfactory answers,” he stated.
CSP offers hands-on experience and provides an opportunity for community leaders to develop leadership and technical skills while contributing to an exclusive, multicultural network of changemakers around the world.