Edmund Yakani
Edmund Yakani | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | South Sudanese |
| Education | University of Juba |
| Alma mater | University of Juba |
| Occupation(s) | Human rights advocate, civil society activist |
| Organization | Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) |
| Known for | Human rights advocacy, peacebuilding, civil society leadership |
| Notable work | Executive Director of CEPO |
| Awards | Civil Rights Defender of the Year Award (2017)[1] |
Edmund Yakani is a South Sudanese civil society activist and human rights advocate. He is the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), an organization based in Juba, South Sudan, that works on issues related to peacebuilding, human rights, and democratic governance. He is known for his involvement in civil society initiatives during and after the South Sudanese civil war.
Early life and education
[edit]Yakani studied political science and law at the University of Juba. He also holds a diploma in gender and paralegal studies. Before becoming a full-time activist, he worked on research and policy advocacy related to governance, rule of law, and security sector reform.[2]
Career and activism
[edit]Yakani has played a notable role in South Sudan’s civil society landscape, particularly during the peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. As executive director of CEPO, [3] he has contributed to national dialogues, election observation, transitional justice discussions, and advocacy for inclusive governance.[4][5]
He has also served in regional civil society platforms, including his election in 2023 as the President of the East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF). Yakani has frequently been involved in advocacy at both the national and international levels, engaging with policymakers and multilateral institutions on matters affecting South Sudan.[6][7]
In 2024, Yakani visited Washington, D.C. to engage with U.S. government officials, civil society groups, and international organizations, advocating for democratic transition and respect for human rights in South Sudan.[8]
Yakani’s activism has at times attracted threats. He has publicly reported receiving death threats and being targeted for his criticism of political actors in South Sudan. Despite this, he has remained vocal on issues related to human rights, civic space, and government accountability.[9][10]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 2017, he received the Civil Rights Defender of the Year Award from the Stockholm-based organization Civil Rights Defenders.[11] In 2022, he was recognized with a continental award for peacebuilding and civic activism in Africa.[12][13][14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Civil Rights Defender of the Year 2017 – Edmund Yakani". Civil Rights Defenders. 2017-04-04. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "Mr. Edmund Yakani Berizilious". Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO)". UNCAC Coalition. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "CEPO's Yakani embarks on global lobby for peaceful transition in South Sudan". Radio Tamazuj. March 8, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ "Team". Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ Ninrew, Chany (2023-05-05). "Edmund Yakani named new EAC Civil Society leader". Eye Radio. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "CEPO's Yakani elected president of regional civil society forum". Radio Tamazuj. 2023-05-09. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "Civil society leader Yakani in Washington to advocate for democratic transition". Sudans Post. 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "South Sudanese human rights defender Edmund Yakani Receives Death Threats". Civil Rights Defenders. 2020-02-14. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ Ninrew, Chany (2024-07-05). "Yakani reports receiving death threats over NSS bill comments". Eye Radio. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "Civil Rights Defender of the Year 2017 – Edmund Yakani". Civil Rights Defenders. 2017-04-04. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ Grandolfo, Francesca (2020-05-31). "Human Rights Defender of the Month: Edmund Yakani". DefendDefenders. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ "South Sudan civil society leader wins civil rights award". Radio Tamazuj. 2017-01-24. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ^ Ninrew, Chany (2022-11-05). "CEPO leader Edmund Yakani wins continental award". Eye Radio. Retrieved 2025-06-28.