By Yiep Joseph
Some members of Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) have called on youth to reject being exploited by politicians in conflict.
The lawmakers’ calls came as parties to the peace agreement faced challenges, including confrontations between government forces, opposition, and armed youth.
The parliamentarians made these remarks during a one-day high-level dialogue that brought together MPs and youth.
While addressing a group of youth during an advocacy event in Juba, Nuna Rhoda, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), urged young people to stop fighting for politicians.
She expressed that while the country continues to face severe conflicts, youth become victims while politicians gain power.
“You see there are ongoing fights in some parts of the country, youth are dying, and then politicians benefit. We need to stop being used and focus on agriculture and innovation that can benefit us and the country,” she said.
She appealed to citizens to focus on peace and disown anyone who spreads the gospel of disunity.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for youth to be peace ambassadors and continue their involvement in peace-building processes.
“If we are to build the country, youth must stop being used in conflict, as they are the majority. Instead, they should get involved in governance and peace-building in the country,” she said.
Simon Malual Deng, also a member of parliament, stated that unity among the youth in South Sudan is necessary to ensure peace.
“We need to know our worth. Someone cannot just come and say, ‘Let us fight this war,’ and we join. We need to be united for peace because when we accept peace as the majority, it will come to the country,” Malual said.
He appealed to the youth to stop their involvement in conflict, adding that working together in agriculture will help combat hunger.
Participant, James Kuol reiterated a similar call, adding that continuous involvement in conflicts will hinder peace and development.
Meanwhile, Ajak Atem Diing, the Chairperson of Aspire Youth Connect, called on young people to avoid following politicians who fuel division to gain power.
He appealed to the government to focus on youth empowerment to redirect their attention from violence to agriculture and innovation.
Atem urged young people to focus on innovations that develop their careers and the well-being of their communities and the country at large.