Sudan’s Unity State slams rejection of its constitution

Sept 28 2006 (RUMBEK) — The Governor of Unity state in southern Sudan has lashed at the Ministry of Justice in the Government of National Unity for refusing to endorse the draft constitutions of the 10 states in southern Sudan.

The federal ministry has requested that references to state boundaries, state capitals and the right to self-determination be removed form the constitutions before it issues compatibility certificates.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service in Rumbek (SRS), the governor Taban Deng Gai said he personally disagreed with the Minister’s decision because it shows sabotage on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

“I personally, do not know any reason why we should go to Khartoum and ask for the compliance of the states constitutions with the one of national constitution. These should be between the states and the Government of Southern Sudan constitution if the state constitution is in conformity with the Constitution of Southern Sudan, this entails that it is also in conformity with the Constitution of Southern Sudan”, Deng Gai said.

He said that there is a dire need for the 10 southern states constitutions to be endorsed so that laws are formalised in the region.

(SRS)