Civil Society in Yei Calls for Fair and Inclusive Constitutional Consultations

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Yei Civil Society Organisation Forum has written to the County Commissioner urging the local administration to ensure that the forthcoming constitutional consultations are inclusive, transparent and representative of all communities in Yei River County.

In a letter dated 1 December 2025, the forum said public consultations must not only focus on town residents but should reach payams, bomas and rural communities. It warned that previous processes excluded many voices and did not give a full picture of the concerns of the entire county.

The group said its request is based on the Constitution Making Process Act 2012, amended in 2022, which states that the constitution making process must reflect the will of the people, promote democratic governance, protect human rights, uphold peace and unity, respect diversity and ensure equal access to resources.

According to the letter, past consultations, including the one held for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, were short, restricted to selected individuals and limited to those living in town. The forum said the same approach must not be repeated, as it undermines the purpose of public participation.

The forum said public consultation is a key part of democratic governance because it allows citizens to share their views on laws and policies. It added that all groups, including marginalised communities, need to be given a chance to participate so that the final constitution reflects the interests of all South Sudanese.

The letter calls on the Commissioner to work with civil society, cultural leaders, youth, women and persons with disabilities before the national commissioners arrive. It said such early engagement will help identify key concerns and ensure that communities are well prepared for the formal consultations.

The forum also urged the Commissioner to support broad participation by allowing the consultations to take place across payams and bomas. It stressed that commissioners should collect genuine views from citizens rather than directing the discussion.

It also requested clear public communication on the consultation timetable, the process and how feedback will be used in drafting the new constitution. According to the forum, such transparency will help build trust and confidence in the national process.

Regarding delegate selection, the group appealed for fairness and diversity to ensure that the county’s representatives at the National Constitutional Conference reflect the views of all communities, including those of civil society.

It further encouraged that cultural practices and customary laws on issues such as land, marriage and resource management be taken into account when preparing the draft constitution. It said these elements are important parts of local identity and should be respected.

Civil society members also pledged to play their part. They said they will engage community members early, advocate for fair delegate selection, observe the consultation process to protect its integrity and provide civic education ahead of the commissioners’ arrival.

The forum said it will help educate the public on constitutional issues such as government structure, land management, cultural matters and affirmative action to ensure people understand how to contribute meaningfully.

The letter concluded by calling on the Commissioner to work closely with civil society to achieve an open, inclusive and fair consultation process. It said that by involving all voices and respecting cultural values, the county can help build a constitution that supports peace, unity and democratic governance in South Sudan.

The letter was signed by Modi Archangelo, the Chairperson of the Yei Civil Society Organisation Forum.

Letter to the County Commissioner 20251202_09465389