AMECEA Calls on South Sudan Churches to Engage in Constitution-Making Process
Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta from AMECEA urged South Sudanese Churches to play a vital role in the constitution-making process during a workshop. He emphasized the need for public participation and the Church’s engagement with political leaders to ensure the constitution reflects the people’s will. The workshop also highlighted the necessity for early preparations for the electoral process to avoid future conflicts.
Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta, the Promoting Integral Human Development (PIHD) Coordinator at AMECEA, recently addressed South Sudanese Churches during a three-day workshop on ‘Civic Education and Observer Mission.’ He emphasized the imperative role that the Church must play in cultivating an environment conducive for constitution-making, asserting that it should reflect the true will of the people.
In his address, Fr. Igweta drew parallels with the Church’s involvement in the constitutional review in Kenya, highlighting that the constitution-making process should extend beyond governmental and church boundaries to embrace a participatory democracy. He warned that failing to engage the people’s will could lead to a constitution that serves only political or individual interests, rather than the common good.
Fr. Igweta advocated for robust dialogues between Church leaders and political officials, asserting that such engagement is vital for articulating a constitution that empowers every citizen. The workshop, organized by the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA), included discussions on the ongoing constitutional-making efforts involving members of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC).
During the workshop, NCRC Secretary-General John Natana Abraham detailed the commission’s achievements and ongoing challenges in the constitutional process. He underscored the crucial role of the Church in galvanizing political will and mobilizing the leadership of South Sudan to ensure a stable transition and effective constitutional process.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocese, who holds a prominent position in the Integral Human Development Commission, echoed the necessity of a well-constructed constitution to mitigate potential conflicts, particularly as the electoral process approaches. He stressed the importance of early election preparations and the Church’s role in elevating community voices in the constitutional review.
Bishop Kussala also expressed the Church’s commitment to facilitating mediation between political parties to prioritize national interests. Fr. Paul Igweta reaffirmed AMECEA’s dedication to supporting Bishops’ Conferences in peacebuilding and fostering conflict resolution initiatives within the region.
The workshop led by AMECEA emphasized the critical role of the Church in South Sudan’s constitution-making process, advocating for a participative approach that reflects the people’s will. The discussions highlighted the potential of the Church to engage political leaders and galvanize public support for a constitution that empowers citizens and prevents future conflicts. Overall, these efforts are vital for ensuring a peaceful transition in South Sudan as the nation prepares for upcoming elections.
Original Source: communications.amecea.org
