Fr. Paul Igweta from AMECEA called on South Sudanese Churches to take an active role in the constitutional-making process. He emphasized the importance of creating a people-centered constitution and fostering dialogue between Church and political leaders. The workshop included insights from NCRC officials, highlighting the need for public engagement and early preparations for elections to prevent future conflicts.
Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta, Coordinator for Promoting Integral Human Development (PIHD) at AMECEA, addressed a recent workshop on ‘Civic Education and Observer Mission.’ He emphasized the critical role of the Churches in South Sudan to foster an environment conducive to the creation of a people-centered constitution, rather than one that serves individual or political interests.
Fr. Igweta encouraged the Church to actively participate in the constitutional-making process to ensure that the new constitution embodies the desires of the populace and empowers all citizens. He referred to the role played by the Church in Kenya’s previous constitutional reviews as a model for South Sudan.
“In Kenya, the Church played a very crucial role in Constitutional review and creating democratic space. So, constitution making is a multi-sectoral affair… it’s a participative democracy in constitutional making.” – Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta.
He also stressed the importance of promoting dialogue between Church leaders and political representatives to craft a constitution that effectively represents the people’s voice and interests. This dialogue, he asserted, is vital for fostering a collaborative spirit in constitutional development.
The AMECEA-organized workshop gathered members of South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) for discussion on the ongoing constitutional-making efforts. NCRC Secretary-General John Natana Abraham provided insights on the commission’s achievements and obstacles.
Abraham highlighted the indispensable role of the Church in mobilizing political will and supporting leadership engagement within the constitutional processes. He noted that public involvement and awareness are necessary for citizens to participate effectively in shaping the constitution.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala from the Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocese reiterated the importance of a well-drafted constitution to avert future disputes, especially before elections. He urged early preparations for the electoral process and emphasized the Church’s mission in raising public awareness about the constitutional review.
“In this review process, the Church can be instrumental in mediation and guiding political parties to prioritize the country’s interests,” Bishop Hiiboro noted. He affirmed the Church’s commitment to aiding the South Sudanese populace in making informed decisions regarding their governance.
Fr. Paul Igweta reaffirmed AMECEA’s dedication to supporting Bishops’ Conferences in initiatives for peacebuilding and conflict resolution, underscoring the essential role of faith communities in nurturing a stable, democratic environment conducive to national development.
The AMECEA workshop underscored the vital role of the Church in shaping the constitutional landscape of South Sudan. By leading dialogue and fostering community engagement, Churches can ensure the new constitution reflects the populace’s will and prevents future conflicts. The collective effort of religious and political entities is crucial for a democratic process that empowers citizens and nurtures peace.
Original Source: communications.amecea.org
