South Sudan has initiated a two-week nationwide public consultation process to shape the governance framework of a unified East Africa. The consultations, which began on September 24, 2026, and will run through October 7, 2026, aim to gather input from citizens, civil society, and leaders across the country. This process is a crucial step toward the creation of a single East African Political Federation.
The consultations are being led by a team of constitutional experts, chaired by Uganda's Chief Justice Emeritus, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Odoki. The expert panel will travel to key regional hubs, including Juba, Rumbek, Wau, and Bor, to gather input from various stakeholders. These stakeholders include parliamentarians, judicial officers, youth, women, civil society, political parties, faith organizations, and the media.
South Sudan's Minister of East African Community Affairs, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, emphasized the country's commitment to participating actively in this consultation process. He stated that citizen participation will form the bedrock of the new regional order. The minister reaffirmed that the voices, aspirations, and interests of South Sudan's people will contribute to shaping a constitution that guides the establishment of the EAC Political Confederation.
The EAC Secretary General, Hon. Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi, commended H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for progress made under the Revitalised Peace Agreement. He expressed the Community's solidarity with South Sudan as the country prepares for elections. The EAC Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, noted that despite being the youngest member state, South Sudan brings invaluable lessons in resilience, dialogue, and dispute resolution to the drafting table.
The constitution-drafting process marks the latest evolution of a regional unity roadmap first set in motion by the EAC Heads of State in 2004 through the historic Wako Committee. This process is a significant step toward deeper regional integration and the creation of a unified East African Political Federation. The EAC Secretariat announced that the public hearings will ensure that the final document reflects the true aspirations of East African citizens.
The consultations are coordinated by South Sudan's Ministry responsible for EAC Affairs. The ministry, in collaboration with the expert panel, will ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and incorporated into the draft constitution. This inclusive approach aims to create a constitution that is representative of the diverse interests and aspirations of the East African community.
The launch of the consultations in Juba was attended by senior government officials and the EAC Constitutional Experts Team. The team, led by Rt. Hon. Odoki, encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in the process, emphasizing that the constitution belongs to the people of East Africa. The outcome of these consultations will significantly shape the future of regional integration and cooperation in East Africa.
Key points
- South Sudan begins nationwide consultations to draft the East African Community Political Confederation Constitution.
- The consultations aim to gather input from citizens, civil society, and leaders across South Sudan.
- The constitution-drafting process is a significant step toward deeper regional integration and the creation of a unified East African Political Federation.
