The East African Community (EAC) has continued consultations with South Sudanese stakeholders on drafting a constitution for the proposed EAC Political Confederation. The consultation, held in Juba, brought together youth, women, media organizations, business communities, religious groups, and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on key issues shaping the proposed political and governance framework of the Confederation.
The consultations, which began on September 24, provide a platform for South Sudanese stakeholders to contribute directly to the constitutional drafting process. The Chairperson of the Constitutional Experts Team and former Chief Justice of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Odoki, emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in shaping an inclusive Constitution. The team has already conducted consultations in other EAC Partner States and will continue gathering views from across the region.
Participants made presentations and raised issues concerning the structure of the Confederation, decision-making mechanisms, and principles of governance. Stakeholders also called for greater clarity on issues affecting citizens and businesses, including borders, trade, free movement of people, and regional integration. These concerns were raised as the experts continued their consultations with different groups in South Sudan.
Media representatives participating in the consultations called for greater investment in media capacity, digital infrastructure, civic education, and access to information. They argued that South Sudan should not only consume information produced elsewhere in the region but also contribute its own perspectives, stories, languages, and experiences to the emerging East African public sphere.
The consultations are expected to continue beyond Juba, with the Constitutional Experts Team set to visit other parts of South Sudan. This will ensure that perspectives from different parts of the country are reflected in the drafting process. The team aims to gather views from grassroots communities and incorporate them into the proposed Constitution.
The ongoing consultations form part of the broader EAC process to develop a constitutional framework for the proposed Political Confederation. This framework is intended to provide a foundation for deeper political and regional integration among EAC Partner States. The EAC is working to ensure that the proposed Constitution reflects the perspectives of citizens and stakeholders across the region.
Key issues discussed during the consultations include the governing structure of the Political Confederation, decision-making mechanisms, principles of governance, and relations between EAC Partner States and the proposed Confederal authority. The EAC's efforts aim to create a more integrated and cohesive regional entity, with a strong foundation for future growth and cooperation.
Key points
- The EAC is conducting consultations with stakeholders in South Sudan on the proposed Political Confederation constitution.
- The consultations aim to gather views on key issues shaping the proposed political and governance framework of the Confederation.
- The proposed Political Confederation is intended to provide a foundation for deeper political and regional integration among EAC Partner States.
