More than 45 representatives from the Aweil State government, women, youth, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders concluded a 3-days peace agreement dissemination workshop last week.

The workshop in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State was organized by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) to enlighten leaders on the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, challenges, and the way forward.

Kolong Pioth, a participant in the workshop said the workshop has helped them understand the issues of governance and resources allocation. 

“Until now, we have understood that administration is not in Juba alone, it is even in the hands of simple citizens in the Boma level. They have a percentage in everything. This gives a right to South Sudanese citizens to know what portion of resources and power belongs to them,’’ said Pioth. 

Margaret Aliai Dut, another participant, says she understood more about the decentralization of power and its challenges. 

“I understood the importance of decentralization for us, how will it benefit us, how will it help us and how will we use it. The decentralization system is excellent if it is implemented, but there are so many difficulties,” she said.  

The Executive Director for CEPO, Edmund Yakani said, "The workshop is based on the political transition in South Sudan from the people’s governance, the system of government is among the causes for the ongoing unrest between South Sudanese who prefer federalism or central system."