(JUBA) – The European Union has raised concerns that the current insecurity and political volatility in South Sudan is significantly affecting the operations and influence of civil society organisations (CSOs), especially those working on governance, advocacy, and transparency.
Timo Olkkonen, the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, made these remarks during the launch of a €4 million (approximately €4,000,000 ≈ 23 billion SSP ≈ $4.36 million USD) civil society support initiative. The project will be carried out by Mercy Corps, in partnership with the Institute for the Promotion of Civil Society and EVE Women Organization for Women Development. The programme aims to build the capacity of at least 140 CSOs across the country.
Ambassador Olkkonen noted that although South Sudan has seen some progress in strengthening the rule of law and access to justice, these improvements remain fragile due to on-going insecurity, ethnic tensions, interference from state authorities, funding constraints, and a generally difficult working environment.
“These issues limit the effectiveness and reach of civil society organisations, making it hard for them to play a meaningful role in peacebuilding and governance,” he said. “A vibrant and inclusive civil society is critical for any developing democracy.”
Olkkonen pointed out that South Sudan ranks in the bottom 25% of countries globally in most democracy related indices. This poor performance, he noted, is consistent across categories in the Global State of Democracy framework, highlighting a significant gap in democratic development.
The EU has called on the Government of South Sudan to widen civic space and promote more civil society participation, particularly in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement. The Ambassador stressed the need for clearly defined roles and freedoms for CSOs, including protection of their rights to free expression and association.
While acknowledging the serious difficulties CSOs face in the country, Olkkonen confirmed that the EU remains committed to supporting them not only financially but also through policy dialogue, technical collaboration, and shared efforts to uphold democratic principles, human rights, and peace.
He also called on the government to urgently finalise the amendment of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Act 2016. This legislation, once revised in line with the peace agreement and constitutional principles, is expected to offer stronger legal safeguards for CSOs and create a more enabling environment for their work.
The €4 million support package is part of the EU’s broader development cooperation policy in South Sudan. This policy seeks to foster civil society independence, participation, and resilience, while ensuring that human rights defenders and grassroots groups can function without undue obstruction.
Speaking at the same event, Esther Ikere, the Undersecretary for the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, affirmed the government’s willingness to continue working with CSOs. She highlighted past collaborations on important legal and rights frameworks, including the ratification of the Maputo Protocol on women’s rights.
Ikere said that the government, in partnership with CSOs, is currently developing an action plan to implement the Maputo Protocol. She underscored the importance of a robust civic space, stating it was necessary for ensuring transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.
“Strengthening civic space is crucial,” Ikere said. “It allows civil society to voice concerns and bring forward key issues that matter to the people. If we don’t invest in a strong civic environment, we risk falling behind on advocacy and public trust.”
