In South Sudan, a new constitution seen as ultimate saviour from perennial strife
Igad Special Envoy for South Sudan Dr Ismail Wais (L) with South Sudan Chief Mediator Lazarus Sumbeiywo during the signing of a declaration of commitment to the Tumaini (Hope) initiative for the South Sudan peace process at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on May 16, 2024. PHOTO | FILE | NMG
South Sudan’s negotiating groups under mediated talks in Nairobi could reach a deal on drawing up the country’s new constitution, seeing it as the ‘social contract’ Juba needs to end perennial conflict.
That possibility emerged this week as more than a dozen hold-out groups continue to hold talks with South Sudan government representatives on the future the country they want in peace.
There are no timelines on when the actual drafting could begin yet, but The EastAfrican has learnt the talks in Nairobi has mostly admitted supreme laws will be needed before conducting elections, and to avoid such elections falling into dispute and relapsing the country back into chaos. Such an admission, the sources indicated, may also fuel negotiators on the urgency of having the laws drafted.
