NCRC Launches Civic Education and Consultations on Constitution-Making Process
By Kidega Livingstone
The Reconstituted National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has launched a three-day civic education and public consultation workshop aimed at advancing South Sudan’s permanent constitution-making process.
The workshop brings together representatives from the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the South Sudan Bar Association, academia, civil society organizations, and development partners. The delegates are discussing strategies to ensure meaningful public participation in drafting the country’s permanent constitution.
Speaking during the opening session in Juba, NCRC Chairperson Dr. Riang Yier Zuor emphasized that the exercise is a critical step toward ensuring the final document reflects the aspirations and views of all South Sudanese citizens.
“The constitution-making process must be people-driven,” Dr. Zuor said. “Through civic education and public consultations, we are providing citizens with an opportunity to understand the process and contribute their views on the kind of constitution they want for their country.”
He noted that upcoming consultations will engage a broad range of stakeholders across the country, including legal experts, government institutions, traditional leaders, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and community representatives. The NCRC has been conducting these regional drives to collect the citizen-led data necessary to build a democratic and inclusive governance framework.
Meanwhile, the Head of Mission of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in South Sudan, Dr. Victoria Anib, urged the commission to uphold transparency, inclusivity, and credibility throughout the process.
“The success of the constitution-making process depends on its inclusiveness and legitimacy,” Dr. Anib said. “Every South Sudanese citizen should feel represented and have confidence that their voices are being heard.”
She reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s constitutional efforts, describing the exercise as a crucial milestone toward lasting peace, democratic governance, and sustainable development.
Workshop observers emphasized that a permanent constitution will provide the legal foundation for governance, strengthen democratic institutions, and guide the country toward future elections and political stability.
The civic education and consultation exercise forms part of the broader roadmap outlined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which identifies the drafting and adoption of a permanent constitution as a key requirement for South Sudan’s democratic transition.
