By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, has initiated the collaboration between the Civil Society Network and government institutions.
The statement issued by the governor’s press unit stated that the newly elected Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network expressed willingness to collaborate with the government institutions.
The network, however, participated in a workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration between civil society and government institutions.
According to the statement, the governor remarked at Kapoeta Airstrip, commending that civil society initiation is important and can resolve other grievances across the state.
Lobong further emphasized in the statement that there is a need for mutual understanding and cooperation between the parties, noting that both government and civil society play vital roles in addressing community needs.
“I accepted to come and join you in this discussion because it is important that we deliberate on better ways of serving our people together,” the governor said in part. “Civil society often advocates for the rights of citizens, but sometimes their activities are influenced by donor priorities. That’s why such workshops are crucial to discuss these irregularities and find common ground.”
In response, Juma Tikol, Secretary General of the Civil Society Network, warmly welcomed the governor and appreciated his humble acceptance of the invitation.
Tikol explained in a statement that the workshop, supported by a donor organization, brings together participants from all walks of life, including members of the State Legislative Assembly and State Ministers and other government officials.
According to Tikol, the workshop seeks to establish mechanisms for mutual understanding between the government and civil society to ensure they work jointly in addressing challenges faced by the common citizens across Eastern Equatoria State.
However, the state government recently elected a new leadership team for its Civil Society Network, marking a new chapter in civic engagement and cooperation with government institutions in the region.