SSNYU Youth Mission Advances Reorganization, Development and Unity Across Upper Nile State

JUBA, South Sudan — September 12, 2026

The South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU) has carried out a series of youth development and organizational activities in Upper Nile State, including the launch of a new youth centre project in Renk, the establishment of interim youth leadership in Jalhak, and consultations with authorities in Melut County.

The activities took place between September 9 and 11 as an SSNYU delegation, together with Upper Nile State youth leaders, visited communities in Renk and Melut counties.

Renk Youth Centre launched

On September 9, the Commissioner of Renk County laid the foundation stone for the proposed Renk Youth Centre, according to information released by SSNYU.

The ceremony was attended by SSNYU Deputy Chairperson Motwakil Awol Mamuor, Upper Nile State Youth Union Chairperson Arang Yel Deng, community leaders and youth representatives.

The commissioner called on young people to remain united and focus on peace and stability while pledging support for youth activities.

During the event, Mamuor also called for oil companies to allocate 10% toward developing agriculture and small industries in Renk to help create employment opportunities. The SSNYU statement did not specify what financial base the proposed 10% would be calculated from.

Arang Yel Deng said the planned youth centre would provide a platform for dialogue, production and peace.

Jalhak youth establish interim leadership

The SSNYU delegation continued its mission on September 10, travelling from Renk toward Melut through Jalhak Payam.

According to SSNYU, young people attending a meeting in Jalhak raised concerns about competing youth leadership structures and asked the national delegation to intervene.

SSNYU said participants agreed to establish a new interim structure. Nul Ajang Monywiir was subsequently declared chairperson of the Jalhak Payam Youth Steering Committee after the other two nominated candidates withdrew in his favour. The union reported that Monywiir received the support of 110 participants.

The committee was given a 90-day mandate to organize young people, establish a seven-member executive representing the area's bomas and genders, prepare organizational documents and arrange a youth congress and election.

Melut commissioner backs reorganization mission

On September 11, the delegation continued to Melut County, where it paid a courtesy visit to Commissioner Adv. Chok Zain Arop.

According to SSNYU, the delegation briefed the commissioner about its youth reorganization mission in Upper Nile State, particularly its activities in Renk and Melut.

Arop welcomed the delegation and expressed support for reorganizing youth structures across Melut County. The union said the commissioner also emphasized the importance of organized youth participation as South Sudan moves toward its planned elections.

Taken together, the activities show an effort by national, state and county youth leaders to strengthen local youth structures while connecting youth organization with employment, community development, peace and participation in public affairs.