CEPO Trains Yei Stakeholders on Peaceful Elections

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A civil society organisation in South Sudan has held a three day training in Yei River County aimed at promoting peaceful elections ahead of the country’s planned general elections in December 2026.

Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, known as CEPO, brought together local stakeholders to discuss ways of resolving electoral disputes without violence. The training took place in Yei town and focused on building understanding, dialogue and cooperation among those involved in the electoral process.

According to CEPO, the sessions were designed to help participants identify early signs of tension during elections and to encourage peaceful methods of handling disagreements. The organisation said this approach is important in a country where past elections and political processes have sometimes been linked to fear and instability.

Participants included community leaders, civil society representatives and other local actors who are expected to play a role before, during and after the elections. CEPO said equipping these groups with skills in peaceful dispute resolution can help reduce the risk of violence at community level.

The organisation expressed appreciation to the European Union for supporting the initiative. CEPO said such partnerships allow local groups to contribute to national peace efforts, especially as South Sudan prepares for an important political transition.

Yei River County has in the past been affected by conflict and displacement, making peace building activities a priority for local communities. Observers say training at county level is critical to ensure that national elections are reflected in calm and orderly local processes.

Civil society groups continue to call for early preparation, civic education and dialogue to help create an environment where citizens can participate freely and safely in the electoral process as South Sudan moves closer to the its first national elections in 2026.

CEPO said it plans to continue engaging communities in different parts of the country to promote non violent approaches to elections and to support lasting peace beyond the voting period.

Training overview