Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Acting Head of Delegation of the European Union on Wednesday said the constitution-making process is of historic significance, immensely important for the future of South Sudan, and the successful transition towards a democratic, stable, and peaceful country.
Lothar Jaschke, who made the remarks at the opening of the workshop on Constitutionalism and Federalism-Part II in Juba, also emphasized that the constitution-making process should be a process of creating a common state for all ethnicities and societal groups with a common identity where all voices are heard.
“The South Sudanese people have not yet had the opportunity to pronounce themselves on the basic rules and values under which they cooperate and would like to be governed,” he stated. “Beyond the legal text, the new constitution should be a founding document for national reconciliation and state building with an inclusive governance system. It should construct a social contract between the citizens and those entrusted to govern on their behalf.”
Adding: “It is as much about sharing resources and wealth as it is about sharing revenues and political powers.”
Jaschke said a constitution derives its authority from the will of the people and gives them a say in the shaping of the future of their country, and it gives them several rights–for example, the freedom of speech and assembly-people should refer to and use actively. He stressed that sovereignty is vested in the people.
The envoy said the European Union is a staunch supporter of the constitution-making process in South Sudan.
“We are proud to support this process with 4 million Euro. We have also the honour of chairing the committee on constitutional affairs within RJMEC, where the International Community comes together to accompany the process. Unfortunately, we have not had a meeting in 2025 due to the lack of progress,” he said. “As mentioned, the European Union has been supporting the process for many years politically and financially. We call on the Government to continue and step up funding for the constitution-making process and support the programme politically.”
Jaschke highlighted that while they have welcomed the launch and supported the efforts of the Chair and the members of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), they are concerned about the events of the last weeks and months, including the numerous violations of the ceasefire and the peace agreement, the arrests and detention of political leaders.
“The fighting in Upper Nile, the aerial bombings, and the ground operations causing grave human rights violations, bringing horror to civilians and creating a spiral of violence. Violence breeds violence. This has to stop,” he said. “The full functioning of CTSAMVM and RJMEC is crucial, including access and investigation of the events in Upper Nile. We also call for a return to a reconciliatory tone in their public narrative, avoiding inflammatory statements.”
“We need a conducive, safe environment for the constitution-making process, in particular the public and civic campaign,” the envoy added.
He disclosed that the EU’s overall offer is to accompany the country in its transition towards a peaceful, stable, and democratic South Sudan and to support the population for a future worth living for.
“For this, we need the political will to move ahead towards dialogue and peace and to implement the peace agreement and meet the peace commitments,” Jaschke stated. “I am deeply convinced that South Sudan needs a permanent constitution which can reconcile and unite the country and build an enduring social contract. Now more than ever.”
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