“The timing is right. Let us keep the fire lit.”

That was the motivational message from South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs, Losuba Ludoro Wongo, at the opening of a workshop to progress the development of a permanent constitution and address the crucial issues of federalism and power sharing.

Sponsored by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Max Planck Foundation, the workshop focused on understanding the principles and application of federalism in South Sudan, its implementation in the permanent constitution-making process, challenges and opportunities related to political and fiscal devolution, and ensuring an inclusive process led by the people.

“The major root cause of conflict is bad governance. If the relationship between those who govern and those who are governed is not clearly spelt out and defined in a way that ensures resources reach most of the population, there is always conflict,” explained the Minister of Federal Affairs, Losuba Ludoro Wongo.

“That’s why the emphasis in the Revitalized Peace Agreement is to call for reforming the governing system to establish a fully-fledged federal system of government where political powers and resources are fully devolved to the states and local government. This way, South Sudan will realize peace and stability.”

Article 1.4.11 of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, signed by parties to the conflict in 2018, reaffirms the commitment to establish a federal and democratic system that respects South Sudan’s diversity while ensuring national unity.

The importance of progressing this system in an inclusive manner was emphasized by the Head of the African Union Mission in South Sudan.

“We should focus on what kind of federalism is needed and remember that no one size fits all. It must be born in the context of the culture, the geography, the history etc. of South Sudan, not transported from somewhere,” stressed Ambassador Joram Biswaro. “The type of federalism should emanate from the South Sudanese themselves, not only those in Juba, but across the country.”