NCRC Officials Set for Civic Education and Consultation in States
By Kidega Livingstone
Members of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) are set to embark on civic education and consultations at the grassroots level in four selected states of South Sudan.
The officials, drawn from different stakeholders and mandated with drafting the country’s permanent constitution, will visit Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Lakes, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal States next month. Their mission is to gather the opinions and views of citizens that will inform the permanent constitution of the Republic of South Sudan.
The move follows a training held last week to prepare the officials on how to collect information from the public and raise awareness about the constitution-making process.
John Natana Abraham, Secretary-General of the NCRC, emphasized that the permanent constitution will be people-driven.
“We are in the process of nation-building. Our members are now ready to go to the selected states for civic education and consultations. Our people out there should be patient and hopeful,” Natana told Juba Echo after Friday’s training.
Emmanuel Joseph, a senior member of the NCRC Secretariat, urged stakeholders in the constitution-making process to remain committed.
“We need to move away from the transitional constitution. This is a process until we finally get a permanent constitution that is people-driven,” he said.
Jacklin Nasiwa, Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justice, said members are now prepared for consultations after undergoing a series of trainings.
“The constitution is key for us. A strong constitution will be very important in maintaining peace and laying the foundation for future generations. Let us all put our energy into this task and deliver it,” she stressed.
Alokiir Malual, one of the members, noted that the voices collected from the people will represent all South Sudanese.
“Nobody should be left behind. We are going to fulfill the needs of the people by bringing accurate information. The constitution and leadership will guide us as we work at the grassroots,” she said.
