SOUTH SUDAN / MALAKAL CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS
STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / MALAKAL CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS
TRT: 02:53
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ARABIC / ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 03 FEBRUARY 2025, MALAKAL, SOUTH SUDAN
1. Various shots, discussions and deliberations
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mary Francis, Women’s Representative:
“I pray that this permanent constitution will provide the people of South Sudan with laws that everyone will respect, including those concerning lands currently occupied by refugees or displaced individuals. For example, these laws are expected to reduce tensions and facilitate the return of confiscated lands to their rightful owners, promoting a peaceful resolution that allows for coexistence.”
3. Wide shot, stakeholders and UN staff
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Ladu, Chairperson, South Sudan Land Commission:
“The recommendations touched on several issues, one of which is the issue of land ownership; they anonymously gave the resolution that land ownership is owned by the people of South Sudan, not by the state but regulated by the state in accordance with the constitution and the law. They also talked of peaceful coexistence among the people and especially treatment for those who are affected by calamities like floods and IDPs, and they discussed how they could coexist as people of Upper Nile.”
5. Med shot, participants listening and writing
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Ebikwo, Civil Affairs Officer, Malakal:
“I would like to appreciate the collective wisdom of everyone here who took part in these discussions, coming up with resolutions that we are going to see that with this kind of collaboration and discussions, we will have a better use of our land and will lead to peace and development.”
7. Pan right, to people applauding
In September 2024, South Sudan’s political leaders extended the transitional period of the government and delayed the nation’s first post-independence elections until December 2026. While regrettable, this extension has provided an opportunity to increase citizens’ engagement in political and peace processes, including determining a new permanent constitution.
To encourage inclusive engagement, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) hosted a two-day workshop in Malakal, Upper Nile, for key stakeholders, including civil society, women and youth to discuss the complex and sensitive issue of land ownership and tenure systems. Women's representatives at the event stressed the need for legal protections around land ownership and management.
SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mary Francis, Women’s Representative:
“I pray that this permanent constitution will provide the people of South Sudan with laws that everyone will respect, including those concerning lands currently occupied by refugees or displaced individuals. For example, these laws are expected to reduce tensions and facilitate the return of confiscated lands to their rightful owners, promoting a peaceful resolution that allows for coexistence.”
The land tenure forum gave local communities a platform to voice concerns and to collaborate in identifying non-violent solutions to any disagreements.
SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Ladu, Chairperson, South Sudan Land Commission:
“The recommendations touched on several issues, one of which is the issue of land ownership; they anonymously gave the resolution that land ownership is owned by the people of South Sudan, not by the state but regulated by the state in accordance with the constitution and the law. They also talked of peaceful coexistence among the people and especially treatment for those who are affected by calamities like floods and IDPs, and they discussed how they could coexist as people of Upper Nile.”
The UN peacekeeping mission is committed to supporting the world’s youngest nation to secure sustainable peace and make progress towards the democratic elections that have been promised to the people for far too long.
SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Ebikwo, Civil Affairs Officer, Malakal:
“I would like to appreciate the collective wisdom of everyone here who took part in these discussions, coming up with resolutions that we are going to see that with this kind of collaboration and discussions, we will have a better use of our land and will lead to peace and development.”
The implementation of the resolutions agreed to by all participants will be monitored and reported on in the coming months.