South Sudanese youth activist Yoal Gatkuoth has strongly rejected the ongoing military mobilisation in the country, calling on the rival factions to agree to an immediate ceasefire. He warned that South Sudan cannot afford another deadly conflict, as the fragile peace remains at serious risk of collapse.
Gatkuoth urged young people to denounce violence and rally behind peace efforts, encouraging them to join what he described as a united youth-led call for peace. He stressed that, despite the many challenges they face, young people have a critical role to play in defending peace and preventing the country from sliding back into widespread violence.
In his capacity as Executive Director of the Pan-African Peacemaker Alliance (PAPA Africa), Gatkuoth has also voiced strong opposition to the ongoing military confrontations. He emphasised that only peaceful dialogue—not violence—can bring an end to what he described as a senseless civil war.
South Sudanese youth, both inside the country and across the diaspora, are increasingly calling on political leaders to disengage from the current military standoff and prioritise political solutions over armed conflict.
The renewed fighting has displaced large numbers of civilians, with many fleeing to neighbouring countries. Humanitarian aid workers are facing severe challenges, particularly in northern Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, where clashes have been most intense.
Speaking to Oz Arab Media via WhatsApp, Gatkuoth highlighted the importance of youth engagement in peacebuilding, describing young people as potential peace ambassadors capable of influencing change and helping to secure a more stable future for South Sudan.
