Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) has launched a nationwide public consultation campaign, a key step in the country’s long-delayed effort to draft a permanent constitution, officials said Tuesday.
The commission, reconstituted in November 2023, aims to gather citizen input from all 10 states and three administrative areas over the next month. The findings will inform the first draft of a constitution intended to replace the transitional document that has governed the world’s youngest nation since its independence in 2011.
“This is the people’s constitution,” said Oyet Patrick Charles, chairperson of the commission’s Civic Education and Public Consultations Committee. “We are not only educating citizens about their rights but also ensuring their voices shape the foundation of our governance system.”
At a press conference in Juba, the commission’s secretary-general, John Nathana Abraham, described the process as a reflection of the nation’s struggles and aspirations.
“The constitution-making process is the history of our people, the sacrifices of our people, and the trials and tribulations they went through for a dignified life,” Abraham said. “It is a process that must embody the will and vision of South Sudanese citizens.”
He said the commission has deployed four teams to Eastern Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Lakes states. The teams have begun meeting with state governors and other local authorities.
Abraham expressed gratitude for support from development partners, including the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), U.N. Women, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Centre for Inclusive Governance. He appealed to other leaders to cooperate as the process expands.
Oyet provided details on the initial outreach, noting that teams have been warmly received. He said the teams will meet with state parliaments, judicial officers, civil society groups, women’s and youth representatives, and persons with disabilities.
Key issues for discussion include federalism, resource sharing, citizenship and the separation of powers, he said.
“In Eastern Equatoria, for example, our team met the governor yesterday, while in Lakes State the meetings are taking place today,” Oyet said. “These discussions mark the beginning of an inclusive process.”
The National Constitutional Review Commission was first established in January 2012, but progress was stalled for years by conflict and political instability. Its renewed activity follows its reconstitution by President Salva Kiir Mayardit in November 2023.
Abraham emphasized the importance of the moment, stating, “We must all work together to deliver a constitution that truly reflects their will and unity.”
After the month-long consultations, the collected data will be returned to Juba to guide the drafting process.
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