Sudan Post Conflict Constitutions workshop
As part of Justice Africa Constitution Making Process Project, and in collaboration with American Bar Association (ABA) Justice Africa organized a virtual workshop on “Post-Conflict Constitutions in Sudan on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Professor Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker pointed that the main problem of the constitutional process in Sudan is lack of legitimacy, democratic governance, and a sense of citizens ownership. He attributed the failure of the 2019 Transitional Constitutional Document regard to the inability to provide a comprehensive roadmap for transformation during the revolution period.
He also highlighted that the Sudanese civil forces do not have a clear vision to establish solid foundations for judicial system reform. He emphasized, it is impossible to discuss constitutional changes without having a constitutional institution, such as the Constitutional Court, an independent Chief Justice, and a Constitutional Commission. He stressed that a clear vision or roadmap for constitutional reforms must be existed during every transitional period and should not be left until establishment of the parliament.
He raised a fundamental question after the end of the ongoing war, and how to handle issues related to post conflict Sudan and to sustain the peace.
He pointed out that the real challenge is having a united civilian authority with clear vision to form the constitutional frameworks and principles, and must addressing the following questions: –
- The issues must be discussed.
- Constitution-Making Issues.
- Justice and reparations issues.
- Military & Security reform issues.
- Relations between military and civilian forces.
- Commissions Establishment.
Nonetheless, it’s important to discuss the pre-transition issues, such as displacement, reopening universities, infrastructure issues, humanitarian aid ..etc, Then moving on to political issues and elections.
Participants expressed their concern about the complex situation , and also referring to the weakness of the civilian and political forces specially when it come to discussing the security and military reform and justice issues.