By Nakwam Rose
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has urged the government to use oil revenue for the country’s benefit.
His statement comes after South Sudan resumed oil transportation through Sudan, following serious political and communal attacks on oil facilities.
Yakani emphasized that the expected oil revenue should support the political transition process instead of funding conflicts.
He warned that using oil money to finance military actions would only lead to more instability and suffering in the country.
Instead, he believes the revenue should be invested in important areas like agriculture.
“The only way to improve our food security is to use oil revenue to support agriculture. We must stop relying on military action to solve our political problems,” Yakani said.
A report by the government and UN agencies indicates that 7.7 million people in South Sudan are facing food crises, largely due to political instability and flooding.
Yakani stressed that oil money should not be used for short-term fixes but should focus on long-term solutions like farming.
“The revenue from oil should be used to boost agriculture across the country. We know that many South Sudanese are hungry because of ongoing political issues and some areas being affected by floods,” he added.
Yakani warned that if the misuse of oil resources continues, it could lead to economic, social, and political collapse.
“Insecurity and military confrontations, along with the misuse of oil revenue, will create a disaster that puts the lives of South Sudan’s citizens at risk,” he stated.