South Sudan authorities urged to provide Muslim prayer rooms at JIA

JUBA, JUNE 26, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – A South Sudan civil society organization is asking the country’s civil aviation authorities (SSCAA) to provide Muslim prayer rooms at Juba International Airport.

In a statement to Sudans Post, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) said it has observed that Muslims, especially women, are forced to pray in the middle of the airport terminal due to lack of prayer areas and asked the authorities to designate prayer areas.

“We have observed on multiple occasions that Muslim passengers are forced to pray in the middle of the airport terminal,” the statement signed by CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani reads in part.

“This is not only disrespectful to their religious beliefs, but it also creates a security risk. We urge the SSCAA to designate a dedicated prayer space for Muslim passengers,” it added.

Yakani called on the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority to improve access to aviation services for people with disabilities.

“We have seen firsthand the difficulties that persons with disabilities face in accessing Juba International Airport,” he said.

“The airport is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no special facilities for passengers with visual or hearing impairments. We urge the SSCAA to take steps to make the airport more accessible to all passengers,” he added.

The CEPO statement further revealed that the civil society watchdog is working South Sudan Union of Persons with Disabilities and Light for World to offer trainings for civil aviation authorities on how to create more inclusive services.

“We believe that everyone should have the right to travel freely and safely, regardless of their religious beliefs or physical abilities,” Yakani said.

“We are committed to working with the SSCAA to make Juba International Airport a more inclusive and accessible airport for all passengers,” he added.