Sudan: The voice of Sudanese youth

Young people are optimistic for the future. Here are some of their views (mr)

Gladys Joseph Reja, member, New Sudan Students’ Association, 21 years

“I was born during the war. Now here is peace, finally. I couldn’t eat for a whole day. I am so proud and happy. During the war we all lost relatives and friends. Now we can look ahead, lots of changes are coming. Maybe the elders doubt that the peace will last. It’s because the war went on for so long. For us the young, we are just proud and happy.

Women have been suppressed and neglected during the war. Now we can go ahead. We can start competing with the men. There is a need for that. I am definitely ready to compete with the men and I want to become a lawyer. Not many women choose to become lawyers. That’s why I chose that.”

Mana Joseph, librarian, Yei Resource Center, 23 years

“I believe the peace will last. There is a great will to forgive. We all want peace, no more war, so that we can concentrate on development and education. The most important questions are how to share power and how to be represented in the Parliaments. It’s important that no one becomes jealous. This goes for both us in the south, for the government in the north, and for those who are returning from abroad. I hope that the UN will play an active role in implementing the peace. It is important to secure free elections and the freedom of speech. Otherwise, people will easily be tricked into voting for one part or the other when we go for the referendum about Sudan’s future.”

Arike Eric Moses, field officer, Yei Ressource Center, 26 years

“Now we have peace so now I can talk about freedom. Ever since the war broke out, we have suffered so much. Our sisters and brothers should have not gone to school. In stead, they had to become soldiers. Or they had to run into the bush to avoid being forced into the army. Now they can finally go to school.

I myself wish for more education. I have an A level. I have studied history, geography, arts, and religion. It points towards politics. I would like to go into politics because I would like to contribute, and be part of making justice.”