A workshop by South Sudan’s Ministry of Federal Affairs to discuss local government roles in a federal system has been postponed due to security issues. The event, originally set for Juba, was significant for drafting a permanent constitution. Political tensions are rising, following recent clashes and detentions of political allies. No new date has been announced for the workshop.
A workshop organized by South Sudan’s Ministry of Federal Affairs, focused on local government roles within a federal system, has been postponed due to “technical issues.” This event, in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was set to begin on Wednesday in Juba. The workshop aimed to address how local governments would operate under a federal structure that divides power between national and regional authorities.
Lasuba L. Wongo, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs, confirmed the postponement, citing advice from security officials. “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,” he stated. The workshop is part of broader efforts to draft South Sudan’s permanent constitution.
First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar was slated to officially open the workshop. However, the National Security Service (NSS) advised against proceeding with the event on the scheduled day due to unspecified concerns. “The National Security Service said today was not appropriate and that the workshop should be conducted on another day,” a source revealed.
The postponement aligns with escalating political tensions in the country. Clashes last week in Nasir, Upper Nile State, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Dr. Machar led to numerous fatalities, including a high-ranking military officer. In retaliation, President Kiir’s administration detained several of Dr. Machar’s allies, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a protracted civil war.
Federalism continues to be a divisive topic in South Sudan, with ongoing debates regarding the distribution of power and resources between the central government and local entities. The canceled workshop represented a pivotal moment in furthering these discussions, which are essential to the constitutional process of the nation. As of now, no new date has been announced for the workshop.
The workshop addressing local governance in a federal system in South Sudan has been postponed due to security recommendations. This event, significant for the constitutional process of the nation, reflects ongoing political tensions and concerns about federalism. The rescheduling of this key workshop will be crucial for advancing discussions on the distribution of power and resources in the country.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
