OPINION: Why the Youth of Yei River County Should Join Political Parties

(OPINION BY EMMANUEL KHAMIS PETER) -The future of South Sudan rests in the hands of its young people, and nowhere is this more evident than in Yei River County. For too long, governance and leadership have been dominated by older generations, leaving youth on the margins of decision-making. Yet, if the young people of Yei River County are to shape a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic South Sudan, they must actively engage in political life—and joining political parties is one of the most effective ways to do so.

Political parties are not merely vehicles for elections; they are schools of governance. Within them, young people learn how policies are debated, how decisions are made, and how leadership is exercised. Through participation, youth gain exposure to the structures of government, the responsibilities of leadership, and the art of negotiation and compromise. These are not skills that can be learned in isolation; they require practice within organized political institutions.

Moreover, joining political parties gives young people a voice in shaping the future. It allows them to advocate for issues that directly affect their lives—education, employment, peace, and inclusion. In Yei River County, where youth make up the majority of the population, their absence from political spaces means their priorities are often overlooked. Active participation ensures that governance reflects the aspirations of the next generation, not just the interests of the past.

Finally, political engagement builds resilience against extremism and violence. When young people are excluded, they become vulnerable to manipulation by groups that exploit frustration and hopelessness. However, when they are included in political parties, they can channel their energy into constructive leadership, strengthening both democracy and peace in South Sudan.

For these reasons, I call upon the youth of Yei River County not to remain spectators in politics. They must step forward—join political parties, learn governance, practice leadership, and prepare to take up the mantle of responsibility. The future of South Sudan depends on their courage to claim their rightful place in shaping the nation.

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