Constitution-making enters critical phase
South Sudan’s National Constitution Review Commission has opened a new chapter in nation-building, rolling out nationwide civic education and public consultation for a permanent constitution after months of procedural groundwork.
Civic education pilots in three states
The pilot phase begins in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Central Equatoria and Upper Nile states, alongside the Ruweng Administrative Area, chosen for their demographic diversity and relative accessibility, according to Chairperson Riang Yier Zuor during a symposium in Juba.
People’s voice to shape final draft
Zuor stresses that, unlike earlier top-down charters, the process is “people-led from start to finish,” with comments gathered through town-hall meetings, radio call-ins and mobile survey teams shaping every clause before a final draft reaches parliament.
Civil society groups such as the Support Peace Initiative Development Organization hail the move as the first genuine democratic exercise since independence, arguing that broad participation will boost legitimacy and reduce the risk of future contestation.
Partners pledge technical and financial backing
UNDP, UNMISS and UN Women have provided training materials, logistics and $2 million in seed funding, with UNDP specialist Yussef Auf saying the aim is to “anchor accountable justice institutions in a consensual charter” while respecting South Sudanese ownership of the content.
Elections timetable hinges on funding
Observers note that timely disbursement of additional funds remains vital; the revitalised peace agreement pegs credible elections to the adoption of the permanent constitution, a timetable officials believe is achievable if field activities proceed without interruption.