Lona James Elia, Deputy Chairperson of the Political Parties’ Council in South Sudan, has urged young people to resist political manipulation and violence. She highlighted the exploitation of youth by politicians and emphasized the necessity of investing in this demographic, which comprises 60 to 70 percent of the nation’s population, advocating for the recognition of women as professionals in leadership.
Lona James Elia, the Deputy Chairperson of the Political Parties’ Council, expressed her concern regarding the rising trend of youth involvement in violence and criminal activities in South Sudan. During a knowledge-sharing session at the University of Juba, she urged young individuals to resist manipulation for violent purposes, highlighting that they are being exploited for personal gains by certain individuals.
James noted that the youth currently engage in various criminal activities, particularly through gangs, attracting no significant response from the government. She questioned, “Youth have become involved in new forms of criminality, particularly through gangs… but who is responsible?”
Furthermore, she cautioned that politicians often manipulate the youth to achieve their political objectives and subsequently neglect them. “Politicians only use you when we want you to perpetuate and support our interests… we forget about you and only look for you after five years in the next elections,” she remarked.
Emphasizing the need for investment in the youth, James stated that they represent a crucial demographic, constituting 60 to 70 percent of the population. She argued for a shift in perspective regarding leadership roles, advocating that women should be viewed as professionals rather than being relegated to traditional roles. “This country has to get to a level where women are looked at, not as wives… but as professionals,” she concluded.
The call from Lona James Elia encourages South Sudanese youth to resist being manipulated by political entities and engage in violence. Highlighting their significant demographic presence, she advocates for investing in young people as crucial for national progress while stressing the importance of recognizing women as professionals in leadership roles. Overall, a united effort towards fostering the youth’s potential is essential for the country’s transformation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
