South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state interim constitution is suspended
August 14, 2011 (JUBA) – The Governor of Central Equatoria state has issued an order suspending the interim constitution of the state, calling on all the state institutions to stop referring to the document with immediate effect.
Wani in his surprising move did not specify which articles he believes are in contradiction between the two constitutions. The division of power between state and national institutions and legislation inn Juba, South Sudan’s capital has been ongoing since 2005 when a peace deal brought former rebels the Sudan People’s Libertation Movement (SPLM) to power.
The deal allowed South Sudan to become independent in July after a referendum earlier this year. South Sudan’s independence was declared by the signing of the country’s controversial interim constitution, which opposition and senior SPLM figures have criticised for cebtralisation to much power in Juba and the presidency.
Juba is both the capital of South Sudan as well as Central Equatoria state, meaning that both national and state ministries and institutions are vying for control of the world’s newest capital city.
The two constitutions also stipulate different versions on the use of land and that could be an issue behind the move, an official told the Sudan Tribune.
The transitional constitution of the newly founded Republic of South Sudan stipulates that Juba shall be the capital of the national government.
Each and every interim constitution of the ten states of South Sudan was approved to be in conformity with the then Southern Sudan interim constitution during the six year peace deal that culminated in secession from the North.
Central Equatoria’s governor has instructed all his government’s institutions to only refer to the South Sudan transitional constitution and not to the state’s constitution until further notice.
(ST)