Putting into Perspective the Proposed Governance Systems for South Sudan

Abstract

This policy paper comes at the outset of the next round of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediated High-level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) negotiations. South Sudan faces political and governance dilemma regardless of whether it maintains the thirty-two states or reverts to ten states or the old three provinces. In view of the analysis on the different system of governance as proposed in the pre-HLRF Report in 2017. The report of wider consultations in 2017 suggested three alternative governance systems, confederal, federal and unitary state for South Sudan. Nonetheless, no practical reforms can be undertaken without peace and stability in the country. This paper does not prescribe which system is best fit for South Sudan. It rather aims to offer theoretical and practical information to guide debate in the country. Ostensibly, through such discussions, governance debates will move away from being elitists-led to citizens-led process to raise awareness in the public domain. The paper argues that South Sudan’s political and economic crises are largely attributed to weak institutions and inability to respect and impose the rule of law. It is not the type of governance in practice as argued by the government or opposition groups. Neither federal, confederal nor unitary systems of governance can address the violence, social injustice and looming economic deterioration without fixing the root causes in building strong institutions, political pluralism and repair the breakdown in social trust among communities. Any system of governance must give back power to the people through inclusivity in decision making, opening the space for citizens to engage with leaders, and building a strong spirit of constitutionalism. Also, there must be strong political will to make tough decisions within the legal frameworks, and developing solid independent arms of government remains critical safeguard against the abuse of power by particular entities or individuals. But for these reforms to take shape and bring stability to the country, the brutal civil war must stop, silence the guns and get citizens back to their ancestral lands to restart their shattered lives.