Peace Agreement Progress
The 2018 Revitalised Agreement, cornerstone of South Sudan’s fragile transition, is still “alive” according to Western Equatoria Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona. He told stakeholders in Yambio that visible steps are underway to translate clauses into concrete governance reforms.
Opening a two-day workshop on constitution making, Marona stressed that the state is “moving forward to restore peace and stability”, rejecting any suggestion of looming chaos as committees draft a permanent charter.
Constitution-Making Roadmap
Facilitated by Support Peace Initiative Development Organisation and backed by UNDP, the seminar unpacked the Constitution-Making Process Act 2022 and gathered diverse voices ranging from government technocrats to traditional chiefs.
Participants debated how new constitutional guarantees could tackle pensions, customary justice, gender equity, and South Sudan’s persistent standoff between cattle herders and farmers.
Stakeholder Voices on Accountability
State lawmaker Julia John argued a permanent constitution will “serve as a tool for accountability”, compelling executives and legislators alike to act within clear limits.
Yambio Mayor Daniel Singira insisted rule-of-law provisions must reach prison floors, noting that petty offenders languish while “serious crimes remain unpunished”.
Education and Customary Reform
Azande Kingdom representative Christine Ngbaazande told the gathering that compulsory schooling sits at the heart of community reconciliation, aligning local customs with national aspirations.
She outlined ongoing “customary development” initiatives designed to mesh tribal norms with the forthcoming constitutional text, signalling grassroots ownership of the process.
Outlook for Stability
Analysts in Juba say Western Equatoria’s measured progress reflects a broader national pattern: incremental yet tangible movement toward elections once the legal foundation solidifies.
For Deputy Governor Marona, the message remains clear: “The agreement is alive.” Whether that vitality endures will depend on continuous civic engagement and resource mobilisation over the coming months.