Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta from AMECEA urged South Sudan churches to lead in creating a conducive environment for constitutional development. The workshop included discussions on election monitoring, the Church’s historical role, and the importance of public engagement in the constitutional-making process. Bishop Hiiboro highlighted the need for a well-crafted constitution to prevent future conflicts, emphasizing the Church’s mediating role.
Fr. Paul Munga’thia Igweta, the Coordinator for Promoting Integral Human Development (PIHD) at AMECEA, has urged South Sudanese churches to play a significant role in fostering a conducive environment for constitutional development. During a recent three-day workshop on ‘Civic Education and Observer Mission’, he emphasized the churches’ involvement in the constitutional-making process to ensure the new constitution genuinely reflects the will of the populace and empowers citizens.
Fr. Igweta highlighted the necessity of preparedness in election monitoring, referencing the critical role the Church had previously played in constitutional reviews, particularly in Kenya. He stated, “In Kenya, the Church played very crucial role in Constitutional review and creating democratic space.” He underscored that the constitution-making process should involve multiple sectors, supporting a participative democracy rather than being confined to governmental or ecclesiastical entities alone.
The workshop convened by AMECEA also included insights from the NCRC Secretary-General, John Natana Abraham, who elaborated on the commission’s achievements and hurdles in shaping the constitution. He emphasized the Church’s pivotal role in mobilizing political will and engaging leadership, asserting that technical support from religious and civil stakeholders is vital for a seamless transition toward constitutional governance.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocese reiterated the importance of a robust constitution to prevent future conflicts, especially as elections approach. He advocated for proactive measures in preparing for the electoral process and highlighted how the Church could facilitate mediation among political factions to prioritize national interests. He expressed the commitment of the Church to support informed decision-making among the citizens of South Sudan.
Fr. Paul Igweta reaffirmed AMECEA’s dedication to aiding Bishops’ Conferences in peace-building and conflict resolution efforts across the region. His remarks aim to galvanize church leaders to take an active role in shaping a constitution that embodies the aspirations of the South Sudanese people.
In summary, the recent workshop highlighted the importance of church involvement in South Sudan’s constitutional development. Fr. Igweta and Bishop Hiiboro emphasized the need for active engagement and dialogue between churches and political leaders to ensure that the new constitution is equitable and represents the interests of all citizens. The contributions of the Church are deemed essential for fostering peace and unity in the political landscape of South Sudan.
Original Source: communications.amecea.org
