Author: Koang Pal Chang | Published: 9 hours ago
Hon. Michael Makuei, the Caretaker Minister for East African Affairs, sits alongside senior government officials and the EAC Constitutional Experts Team in Juba following the launch of South Sudan’s national consultations for the proposed EAC Political Confederation Constitution on Thursday, September 24, 2026. | Credit: Eye Radio / Darlington Moses
South Sudan has launched nationwide public consultations to draft the Constitution for the proposed East African Community (EAC) Political Confederation, the regional bloc’s Secretariat announced Thursday.
The two-week consultative drive—running from September 24 through October 7, 2026—invites citizens, civil society, and leaders across South Sudan to directly shape the governance framework of a unified East Africa, the EAC Secretariat announced. The Political Confederation serves as the crucial transitional model toward the ultimate creation of a single East African Political Federation.
In the statement, South Sudan’s Minister of East African Community Affairs, Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the regional body during the launch in Juba, on Thursday, September 24.
The Caretaker Minister for East African Affairs emphasized that citizen participation will form the bedrock of the new regional order.
“As South Sudan, we are committed to participating actively in this consultation process and ensuring that the voices, aspirations and interests of our people contribute to shaping a Constitution that will guide the establishment of the EAC Political Confederation,” stated Hon. Makuei.
The press release details that the public hearings are being led by a Team of Constitutional Experts chaired by Uganda’s Chief Justice Emeritus, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Odoki.
Coordinated by South Sudan’s Ministry responsible for EAC Affairs, the expert panel will travel across key regional hubs—including public hearings in Juba (covering both Federal and Central Equatoria levels), Rumbek, Wau, and Bor—to gather input from parliamentarians, judicial officers, youth, women, civil society, political parties, faith organizations, and the media.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of East Africa,” emphasized Rt. Hon. Odoki in the release. “We encourage all stakeholders to actively participate so that the final document reflects the true aspirations of our citizens.”
EAC Secretary General, Hon. Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi, recognized the ongoing political transition and commended H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for progress made under the Revitalised Peace Agreement, expressing the Community’s solidarity as South Sudan prepares for elections.
Highlighting South Sudan’s unique contribution to the bloc, EAC Deputy Secretary General Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth noted in the statement that despite being the youngest member state, South Sudan brings invaluable lessons in resilience, dialogue, and dispute resolution to the drafting table.
“From the power of regional solidarity during the struggle for independence to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, the lessons and best practices from South Sudan are many,” Hon. Ariik stated.
According to the Secretariat, this constitution-drafting process marks the latest evolution of a regional unity roadmap first set in motion by the EAC Heads of State in 2004 through the historic Wako Committee.
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