Government teams up with UNDP to empower WBGS ex-combatants
The government and the United Nations Development Programme signed a half-million euro deal to empower former combatants in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
The signed Euro 500,000 is meant for piloting a community violence reduction approach project in Western Bahr El Ghazal and it would benefit ex-combatants under the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR)
It focuses on capacity building through skills training for former combatants, women, and youth among other groups, with the hope of reducing conflict.
In his remarks during the signing of the cooperation agreement yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Agok Makur Kur, expressed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of former combatants and youth through the provision of skills that promote self-reliance.
“The government is committed to making sure the former combatants are empowered and integrated into various areas,” Agok said
He reiterated his full commitment to ensure that necessary funds are provided to ensure that former combatants are helped to join their communities and start a new life.
He appreciated the partners for standing with South Sudan in the implementation of the peace agreement.
Agok continued that the pilot project on conflict reduction would bring peace as it aimed to contribute to the productive and peaceful coexistence of communities in Western Bahr El-Ghazal.
The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Titus Osundina, said the project will help in many ways that contribute to the peace agreement.
He stressed that the project encompasses helping women, and youth through the provision of necessary assistance such as skills development.
According to Osundina, the integration of former combatants and provision of necessary skills to women and youth affected by conflict in the selected state would greatly contribute to the implementation of the peace agreement.
Meanwhile, French Ambassador to South Sudan, Christain Bader, urged the government not to blame youth for violence in the country but focus on giving skills and work.
“You give him a weapon, he will be a monster, of course, he will, so it is very important to find something to do for them if they cannot join the army,” Bader said.
