Photo: Enocka Martin
(LAINYA) – Authorities in South Sudan’s Lainya County have dissolved the existing youth association and formed a new interim leadership committee, just days before scheduled youth elections.
The decision has stirred debate among local youth leaders, some of whom are questioning the legality and timing of the move.
The announcement came through an executive order issued by Lainya County Commissioner Robert John Morris Lasu on 17 July 2025. The order instructed the immediate dissolution of the county’s youth association, though no official reasons were provided for the decision.
In a second directive, also dated 17 July, Commissioner Lasu appointed a seven member preparatory committee to act as the interim leadership. The committee will oversee the lead up to the youth elections, which are still scheduled to take place on 24 July 2025.
The appointed interim leadership is as follows:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Francis Lobuka Hilary | Chairperson |
| Christine Aluku | Deputy Chairperson |
| Simon Ladu Aguila | Secretary |
| ACorolide Dudu | Finance Secretary |
| Victor Ladu Crton | Member |
| Lodonga Philip Jackson | Member |
| Unnamed Security Representative | Member |
The outgoing youth chairperson, Juma James Santino, responded calmly to his removal but expressed disappointment over what he described as political interference. He stated that the youth association was supposed to function independently in line with its constitution.
“The formation of the new youth body is against the youth constitution because the youth association is supposed to work independently without political influence,” Juma said.
He also noted that the previous youth leadership had already scheduled elections for 24 July, and that the sudden dissolution of the group risks undermining those plans.
Despite these concerns, Juma said he is ready to support the new leadership once it is elected by the youth assembly and urged them to focus on initiatives that promote job creation, entrepreneurship and economic development for young people.
“There should be no room for political influence because that will affect the youth association, and I am ready to support the new youth leadership soon to be elected by the youth assembly,” he added.
The Commissioner’s office has not issued a detailed statement on the rationale for dissolving the youth association. However, such actions are not uncommon in local administrative settings.
South Sudan’s youth, who make up over 70% of the population, continue to face significant challenges including unemployment, limited access to education and political marginalisation. Youth organisations like the one in Lainya play an important role in community mobilisation, skills development and advocacy.
Many young people in the county will no doubt be watching closely to see whether the electoral process will remain fair, inclusive and free of political interference as the new interim leadership prepares for the upcoming vote.
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