The Women Bloc of South Sudan expressed concern about the lack of participation of some parties in the Tumaini Initiative in Kenya, mediated by the Government of Kenya between the Government of South Sudan and opposition groups. Norah Zangabeyo, the representative of the Women Bloc at the Commission, called on the African Union to include all parties in the talks for viable peace. She highlighted the impact of violence in Western Equatoria State on food security and accountability.
Florence Agiba, the youth representative to the R-JMEC, noted the lack of progress in implementing security arrangements in the peace agreement amidst rising violence. She emphasized the challenges faced in various parts of the country and the need for immediate action to address economic hardships and high unemployment rates. Agiba called for policies promoting education, vocational training, and job creation to empower youth and promote resilience.