(OPINION / Agrey Cyrus Kanyikwa) : Rethinking the Role of Civil Society in Central Equatoria State

I am privileged to respond to the recent press statement issued by the Central Equatoria State Civil Society Network (CESCSN) on 21 February 2026.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in South Sudan—particularly in Central Equatoria State—must reassess their operational approach and overall mandate. While civil society plays a vital role in democratic and fragile contexts, there remains a visible gap between CSOs and the communities they are intended to serve. To foster trust between citizens and government and strengthen social cohesion, CSOs must deepen their grassroots presence and adopt more functional, community-centered mechanisms.

Civil society exists to bridge the divide between citizens and their government, ensuring inclusivity and that no one is left behind. In a fragile or developing state such as South Sudan, CSOs carry three fundamental responsibilities:

1. Provision of Basic Social Services

CSOs are expected to complement state efforts by directly providing essential services such as primary healthcare, education, water, sanitation, and protection of vulnerable populations. They should also serve as engines of innovation, piloting new approaches and improving service delivery standards where systems are weak.

2. Humanitarian Response and Peacebuilding

In times of crisis or conflict, CSOs must respond swiftly by delivering food, shelter, and medical assistance. Beyond emergency response, they are uniquely positioned to mediate disputes, facilitate dialogue, and promote reconciliation to rebuild fractured communities.

3. Management of Public Affairs and Accountability

Civil society is also responsible for monitoring government performance, tracking public expenditure, combating corruption, representing citizen interests before policymakers, influencing legislation, and advocating for human rights and social justice. They must further promote citizen participation in planning and budgeting processes and educate communities about their civic responsibilities.

However, there is a pressing need for CSOs to move beyond complaint-driven narratives and one-sided advocacy. Too often, civil society actors amplify grievances without presenting practical, actionable solutions or demonstrating their own commitment to implementing change.

Societal challenges arise either from human actions or natural causes. Citizens bear primary responsibility within their communities. Government provides guidance, coordination, and mobilizes support from national and international partners. Civil society’s role is to intervene constructively where citizens and government face limitations—not merely to criticize, but to act.

It is concerning when CSOs appear to position themselves in opposition to the state rather than as collaborative partners. Government institutions operate within defined mandates and are aware of their responsibilities, even if resource or structural constraints delay action. Civil society should focus on filling gaps through tangible initiatives rather than reinforcing narratives of blame.

With the exception of point number eight in the referenced press statement—which is commendable—CSOs would benefit from restructuring their responses toward measurable, solution-oriented interventions within their capacity. Repeatedly advising government on responsibilities it already recognizes does not necessarily advance peace or development.

Where government institutions fall short, civil society should responsibly bridge the gap through constructive engagement—not through rhetoric that may heighten tension.

The prolonged conflict in South Sudan cannot be resolved through accusatory discourse that undermines cooperation. It requires responsible civic engagement, strengthened social cohesion, economic empowerment, improved service delivery, and innovation at the community level.

Government, for its part, must continue to develop and enforce inclusive policies that encourage citizen participation and meaningful collaboration with civil society actors. In turn, CSOs must reposition themselves as credible, capable, and solution-driven partners committed to national peace, stability, and sustainable development.

It is time to move beyond negative perceptions and embrace shared responsibility in advancing peace, social cohesion, economic recovery, and social service innovation across South Sudan.

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