By Yiep Joseph
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) National Youth League has received a donation of motorcycles and books from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
According to the Youth league leader, the help will strengthen the youth wing’s activities as the ruling party intensifies grassroots mobilization ahead of the anticipated 2026 elections.
The handover ceremony took place on Friday at the SPLM National Youth League premises in Thongpiny, where the Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, officially presented the equipment to the Youth League leadership.
According to the Youth league, the donation includes five motorcycles, two large-screen LG televisions, three desktop computers, and a printer, equipment that officials said will support the Youth League’s administrative work, communication efforts, and outreach programs targeting young people across the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Ma congratulated Puok Bol Par, Chairperson of the SPLM National Youth League and member of the party’s Political Bureau, on his recent appointment to the position.
He emphasized the importance of empowering young people as a cornerstone for national development and stability.
Ma noted that China values its longstanding friendship and cooperation with South Sudan and remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen institutions and promote youth participation in national development.
For his part, Puok Bol Par expressed appreciation to the Government and people of China for their continued support to South Sudanese youth. He said the donated equipment will enhance the Youth League’s capacity to implement programs aimed at empowering young people and strengthening the organization’s nationwide operations.
“The youth are the backbone of our nation and the driving force behind community mobilization and development,” Puok said, adding that the support would enable the Youth League to expand its engagement with young people across the country.
The donation comes at a time when the SPLM, South Sudan’s ruling party, has been intensifying internal restructuring and grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the country’s planned 2026 general elections, which are expected to mark the first national elections since independence in 2011.
The SPLM National Youth League plays a critical role in the party’s mobilization strategy, particularly in engaging young voters, organizing community outreach, and promoting political participation among the country’s youth population.
Political analysts note that strengthening youth structures within political parties is likely to become increasingly important as South Sudan prepares for a competitive electoral environment.
Youth make up a large majority of the country’s population, making them a key constituency in future political processes.
The equipment handover concluded with the signing of a Certificate of Handover between Ambassador Ma and the SPLM Youth League leadership, formally transferring the equipment to the organization.
Officials from both sides said the gesture reflects the growing cooperation between China and South Sudan and the shared commitment to supporting development and youth empowerment in the country.