From 19-22 November 2024, a workshop on ‘Fiscal Federalism’ was held for members of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) in Juba. The workshop was conducted by the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law in cooperation with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), with financial support from the European Union.
The aim of the workshop was to provide a comprehensive understanding of fiscal federalism for the members of the NCRC in the context of the framework established by the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) regarding the permanent constitution-making process in the country. The workshop commenced with opening remarks by several dignitaries, including Prof Joram Biswaro, Head of the African Union Mission; H.E. Timo Olkkonen, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of South Sudan; and Hon. Lasuba L. Wango, Minister of Federal Affairs of South Sudan.
Throughout the four-day event, participants engaged in lively discussions covering various topics, including the current legal framework of fiscal devolution in South Sudan, allocation of revenue-raising powers with a focus on taxation, natural resource revenue allocation, expenditure power and responsibilities, intergovernmental revenue transfers and sharing, and borrowing. The workshop also presented various models of fiscal constitutions from comparative legal contexts, facilitating a dialogue on the potential options for a federal constitution in South Sudan.
The workshop highlighted the importance of adapting fiscal arrangements to the unique socio-economic and political context of South Sudan. Participants stressed the need for equitable revenue distribution mechanisms to address regional disparities and promote sustainable development. Recognising the crucial role of the NCRC, the discussions emphasised the significance of civic education and public consultations to ensure that the fiscal framework in the permanent constitution reflects the voices and aspirations of all South Sudanese citizens.
This workshop was part of the Max Planck project titled ‘Supporting Constitution-Making, Legal Harmonisation, and Judicial Reform in South Sudan’ to support the ongoing constitution-making process in the country.