The meeting was meant to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and contribute to the formation of South Sudan’s permanent constitution.

By Emmanuel Mandela

Members of parliament, community leaders, women, youth representatives, and civil society gathered last week in Yambio for a one-day grassroots dialogue.

The meeting was meant to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and contribute to the formation of South Sudan’s permanent constitution.

Mrs. Livia Constantino, the Director of Gender in the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare who presided over the program commended the UN Women and the Community Initiative for Peace, Justice, and Protection (CIGPJ), a national organization, for their efforts in supporting the constitutional empowerment of South Sudanese citizens.

“Every citizen of South Sudan has full rights to put their voices into the permanent constitution. This is an essential part of empowering our people and ensuring that their needs and aspirations are reflected in the foundational laws of our country,” Mrs. Livia stressed.

She urged the participants to actively raise the issues affecting the grassroots communities, emphasizing that their insights would directly influence the process of the constitution drafting.

“It is our participation. What we are going to say is what is going to be taken. They are coming down here to listen to us, to see what we want to see in our constitution. So, I urge everybody to contribute and think wisely about what truly matters in our communities,” Mrs. Livia added.

Meanwhile, Mr. James Michael from the Community Initiative for Peace, Justice, and Protection (CIGPJ) said the objective of the event was to reinforce the link between community awareness and meaningful contributions to the Constitution.

“The constitution is a very important document that guides the country and its citizens. This is why we will continue to support the dissemination of information about the permanent constitution at all levels,” Michael said.

With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, such dialogues are pivotal for nurturing informed citizenry and reinforcing democratic principles. By integrating gender-sensitive perspectives and recognizing the voices from various community segments, the process ensures that the constitution is inclusive and reflective of South Sudan’s diverse population.

The engagement was expected to bridge the gap between policymakers and the grassroots, fostering trust and transparency that will resonate during the electoral process.

The participation of women, youth, and civil society signifies a step towards an empowered electorate capable of contributing to the national discourse not just in drafting the constitution but in holding leaders accountable post-election.

“Every citizen of South Sudan has full rights to put their voices into the permanent constitution. This is an essential part of empowering our people and ensuring that their needs and aspirations are reflected in the foundational laws of our country,” Mrs. Livia Constantino, the Director of Gender in the State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare.