SPLM-IO official says powers delegated to Kiir ‘unacceptable’ as permanent constitution process begins

JUBA — A senior member of South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO has said that some of the powers given to the president are unacceptable.

South Sudan on Tuesday opened a workshop on permanent constitution-making process.

President Salva Kiir opened the workshop and said it aims to develop a roadmap for a permanent constitution for the world’s youngest country.

“This workshop is to develop a roadmap for the permanent constitution of the Republic of South Sudan. It is absolutely critical that it reflects the aspirations of our people for freedom, equality, justice and prosperity for all.

Nathaniel Oyet, the SPLM-IO representative to the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) said on the sideline of the workshop that powers given to the president are unacceptable.

“The powers given to the president are unacceptable,” the senior SPLM-IO member said. “We expect people to regain back their powers in the new constitution.”