South Sudan's Archbishop Badi Calls on Youth to Lead Peace Efforts
Archbishop Justin Badi Arama, the Primate of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, has called upon the nation's youth to actively participate in ending violence and to refuse recruitment into armed conflict. He delivered this message on Sunday during the inauguration of the National Youth Leadership Peace and Security Forum. The Archbishop emphasized the critical role young people can play in shaping the future of South Sudan. By embracing peace and rejecting violence, the youth have the power to fundamentally alter the country's historical trajectory. This initiative aims to empower young leaders to become agents of change and to foster a culture of peace and security across the nation. The forum is expected to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration among youth leaders on critical peace and security issues facing South Sudan.
Archbishop Badi's appeal highlights the persistent challenge of youth engagement in conflict and peacebuilding within South Sudan. The call for youth to "rewrite history" frames them as pivotal actors capable of transforming the nation's narrative away from violence. This perspective underscores the potential of demographic dividends when young populations are channeled constructively. However, the effectiveness of such appeals is contingent on addressing underlying socio-economic drivers that often push youth towards armed groups, such as lack of opportunity and perceived marginalization. Future initiatives will need to integrate peace education with tangible pathways for economic empowerment and political inclusion to ensure sustainable change.
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