No elections without constitution says federal affairs minister

The minister for Federal Affairs, Lasuba L Wango has urged the National Constitutional Review Commission to speed up the process of making a permanent constitution for South Sudan, he said elections are good but it will be difficult to have one without a permanent constitution.

“We want elections but we cannot go for elections without a constitution.” Said, Lasuba L Wango, South Sudan’s Federal Affairs Minister.

Lasuba was speaking at an opening ceremony for the members of the National Constitutional Review Commission on fiscal federalism.

Speaking at the same event, the chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission, (NCRC) Dr. Riang Yer Zuor called on donor community to help fund the constitutional making process.

Dr. Riang said the NCRC is planning to kick off civic education and public consultation across the country.

“The purpose of this workshop is to empower the members of NCRC for the work ahead as far as civic education and public consultation are concerned.” Dr. Riang Said

” NCRC and partners are planning to launch civic education and public consultations before the end of the year, we want next the beginning of next year to be for nationwide campaign for civic educational and public consultation across the country.” Added Dr. Riang.

The Head of African Union Mission in South Sudan, Professor Joram Biswaro urged the government to work towards bringing a permanent peace to the people of South Sudan, he also said the Tumaini peace initiative once concluded will impact the NCRC and that the members should welcome it.

“Whatever South Sudanese people will conclude in Tumaini in Nairobi will compliment the 2018 peace agreement and there will be impact on the constitution.” Said Professor Biswaro.

“Federalism is no longer a question in South Sudan, the question is what type of federalism does South Sudan need.” Added Professor Biswaro.

The Ambassador of the European Union to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen warned South Sudanese people of the cost of federalism, he said federalism will require a transparent management of the country’s resources.

“Federalism does not come for free, federalism is more expensive than a centralized government, resources have to be managed efficiently to make federalism work.” Said Timo.