EU raises alarm over South Sudan violence
The European Union said it is deeply concerned by a recent escalation of violence in South Sudan and urged national leaders to halt hostilities. The bloc called for a return to dialogue to fully implement the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
EU ambassador’s message at Juba federalism workshop
Ambassador Pelle Enarsson, Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan, delivered the message on Wednesday in Juba. He spoke during a federalism workshop organised by the National Constitutional Review Commission, widely known as the NCRC.
Dialogue and political agreements seen as key
Enarsson argued that political agreements are central to stopping the fighting and safeguarding the constitution-making process. “There is a clear need for more dialogue and for political agreements to stop the violence and come back to the implementation of the peace agreement,” he said.
Permanent constitution process to continue beyond transition
The EU envoy also said that, despite security and political challenges, work on South Sudan’s permanent constitution should continue. He underlined the importance of mechanisms that keep the process on track beyond the current transitional period.
EU backs constitution work with Max Planck Foundation
The European Union reaffirmed its support through a partnership with the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law. “We are really proud to support this project,” Enarsson said, as he wished participants a productive workshop.
Federalism workshop feeds public consultations and technical debate
Organisers said the workshop is designed to inform the constitution-making process through public consultations and technical discussions. The focus is on governance structures, with federalism examined as a framework for future institutional design.
Experts outline workshop focus on federal systems design
Dr. Kathrin Scherr, a senior legal expert at the Max Planck Foundation, said the three-day session examines legislative and executive design in federal systems and the role of local government. She said it builds on four earlier workshops held since 2024.
Previous sessions covered power and fiscal questions
Scherr said earlier workshops addressed power sharing, fiscal devolution, wealth sharing, and constitutionalism. The current discussions, she indicated, deepen technical understanding while linking the themes to practical choices in governance architecture.
NCRC highlights comparative studies and fiscal arrangements
Dr. Riang Yier Zuor, Chairperson of the NCRC, said the agenda includes comparative case studies, local government structures and functions, and fiscal arrangements. He said the engagement is intended to strengthen the commission’s grasp of federal governance.
More talks planned on federal capital models
Zuor also announced plans for an additional workshop focused on models and management of federal capitals. He thanked the Max Planck Foundation and the European Union for continued support to the constitution-making process.