![Deputy head of the EU delegation to South Sudan Lothar Jaschke (right) speaks during a meeting with civil society in Juba in 2022. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FWlMp_eXoAUCiSE.png?ssl=1)
Speaking as Co-Chair of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Working Group at the Palm Africa Hotel under the theme “From Commitments to Results: Advancing Women’s Leadership, Accountability and Inclusive Governance in South Sudan,” Jaschke opened his remarks by expressing deep sorrow over recent attacks on peacekeepers and aid personnel.
“We condemn the terrible and deadly attacks that occurred yesterday on UNMISS peacekeepers in Jonglei,” Jaschke said. “We also mourn the death of 36 humanitarian workers, killed in 2026. These are people who serve the country and the people of South Sudan by promoting peace, stability, development and hum assistance, helping the people to survive. They serve life and meet death. Our heart is crying, condolence to the families of the victims.”
Addressing leadership, the diplomat strongly endorsed recorded remarks by Auxiliary Bishop Santo Laku Pio, who called on voters to support female candidates in upcoming elections because male leaders have failed to secure peace.
“I would say that the Bishop has a point. I hope women will be candidates and will win big times in the elections,” Jaschke said. “For the sake of the country. Going by the 35% quota of women representation in the peace agreement, at least 35% of all successful candidates should be women.”
He added that electing women would foster empathy and alleviate severe mental distress and hardship across the country.
“The Bishop also said that many people are suffering mental distress due to the hardships caused by men,” Jaschke said. “I believe that if women are elected, chances are high that there will be less hardship and more empathy. Beyond elections, women’s leadership should be strengthened in constitutional, electoral, peace, and governance processes.”
Highlighting statutory reforms, Jaschke urged the passage of a modern Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bill and full implementation of the National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, noting ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare and its new Undersecretary.
“There is ample evidence that women are the better peacemakers and peace negotiations have better chances to succeed with a peace deal that holds when women are involved early on in the conflict management cycle,” Jaschke said.
On accountability, the envoy called for survivor-centered justice for victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
“On accountability women need to be included in the design of efforts to account for the gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence, linking peace efforts to survivor-centred justice, transitional justice, and guarantees of non-repetition,” Jaschke stated.
He emphasized that inclusive governance requires protecting civic space and funding grassroots organisations, ensuring representation for rural, young, displaced, and disabled women.
He acknowledged key partners pushing the agenda, including UN Women, UNDP, the Peacebuilding Fund, UNMISS, IGAD, and the Ministry of Gender, Social and Child Welfare.
Concluding his remarks, Jaschke announced his departure from South Sudan after three years of service.
“At a personal level, let me say that this is my last public address in South Sudan during my mandate. I am departing South Sudan tomorrow after three short and exciting years of service,” Jaschke said.
“It was a great honour to serve, and I thank the Lord that I had the chance to do so. In doing so he gave me in South Sudan joy, peace and love in my heart. I depart from South Sudan, but South Sudan does not depart from me. South Sudan is part of my life story, and it is deep in my heart,” he added, reassuring participants that the European Union will continue to stand alongside South Sudan.
