Postponement of Key Workshop on Local Government in South Sudan

The workshop on local government and federalism in South Sudan, organized by the Ministry of Federal Affairs, has been postponed due to security issues. Minister Lasuba L. Wongo emphasized its significance for drafting the permanent constitution, while escalating political tensions raise concerns for the nation’s stability. No new date has been announced yet.

A workshop organized by South Sudan’s Ministry of Federal Affairs, intended to discuss the function of local government within a federal system, has been postponed due to technical issues, as confirmed by a senior official. This event, scheduled to take place in Juba, was in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aimed to examine the operations of local governments under federalism, which distributes power between national and regional authorities.

Lasuba L. Wongo, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs, stated that the decision to postpone followed recommendations from security officials. He remarked, “There were issues that arose, and our security team advised that we adjourn this to another date. We are now coordinating with JICA to reschedule the event as soon as possible.”

Highlighting the workshop’s significance, Mr. Wongo noted it forms part of wider efforts to draft South Sudan’s permanent constitution. He indicated intentions to organize a national conference on federalism subsequent to the workshop. Originally, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar was expected to inaugurate the event, but the National Security Service (NSS) advised against holding it on the planned date due to unspecified security concerns.

The postponement occurs in the backdrop of escalating political tensions in South Sudan, illustrated by recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, between President Salva Kiir’s forces and those loyal to Dr. Machar, which led to multiple fatalities, including a senior military commander. President Kiir’s administration has detained several associates of Dr. Machar, raising apprehensions regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war.

The issue of federalism remains highly contentious in South Sudan, with ongoing discussions surrounding the allocation of power and resources between the central government and local authorities. The postponed workshop was perceived as a crucial step in progressing these discussions, significant to the country’s constitutional framework. A new date for the workshop has yet to be determined.

In summary, the workshop aimed at discussing the role of local government in South Sudan’s federal system has been postponed due to security recommendations. Key figures, including Minister Lasuba L. Wongo, underscored the importance of this initiative amidst rising political tensions. The ultimate goal remains the formulation of the nation’s permanent constitution, with federalism being a pivotal topic. The uncertainty surrounding the new date adds to the complexities in the region.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org