Postponement of Key Workshop on Local Government in South Sudan

A workshop by South Sudan’s Ministry of Federal Affairs discussing local government in a federal system has been postponed due to security concerns. Minister Lasuba L. Wongo highlighted the workshop’s significance in drafting the nation’s constitution. With rising political tensions following recent clashes, the NSS advised against holding the workshop on the scheduled date, lacking a new date for rescheduling.

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. The event was scheduled for Wednesday in Juba in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aimed to elucidate the operation of local governments under a federal structure, which entails a division of power between national and regional authorities.

Minister of Federal Affairs, Lasuba L. Wongo, reported that the postponement followed advisement from security officials. He stated, “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.”

Wongo highlighted the significance of the workshop, linking it to ongoing efforts to draft a permanent constitution for South Sudan. He also announced plans for a national conference on federalism that will take place following the rescheduled workshop. First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar was set to formally open the event.

However, the National Security Service (NSS) advised against holding the workshop on the original date due to unspecified concerns. According to a source, “The National Security Service said today was not appropriate and that the workshop should be conducted on another day.”

This postponement occurs amidst escalating political tensions in South Sudan, particularly after recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, between factions aligned with President Salva Kiir and those associated with Dr. Machar, which led to numerous casualties.

In light of these tensions, President Kiir’s administration has detained several affiliates of Dr. Machar, raising apprehensions regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to resolve a previous five-year civil conflict. The topic of federalism remains controversial in South Sudan, with ongoing discussions about the allocation of power and resources between the central government and local authorities being vital to the nation’s constitutional discourse. No new date for the workshop has been provided.

The postponed workshop, originally slated for discussion on local government in South Sudan’s federal system, underscores ongoing political tensions and the complex dynamics within the country. Minister Lasuba L. Wongo emphasized the workshop’s importance for constitutional progress, while security concerns prompted the decision to delay the event. As political instability continues to threaten the 2018 peace agreement, the effectiveness of federalism discussions remains crucial.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org