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Eastern Equatoria – Al-Wadi Newspaper
Citizens in Eastern Equatoria State have praised the noticeable improvement in the performance of their state parliamentarians, following the formation of new parliamentary caucuses that are beginning to yield positive results in addressing communal conflicts through effective legislation and peacebuilding strategies.
Anthony Nwapa, Acting Head of the UN Mission’s Field Office in Torit, noted that local communities are starting to observe tangible progress in the work of their elected representatives. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from citizens who feel that the performance of lawmakers has become more impactful and responsive to their needs,” he said.
This improvement comes as part of a long-term support program implemented by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in collaboration with a range of experts in governance, constitutional development, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of the state’s legislative body.
Charles Udwar Ukech, Speaker of the Eastern Equatoria Transitional Legislative Assembly, affirmed that the ongoing training workshops have enhanced lawmakers’ ability to fulfill their duties. “It’s a gradual process, but it’s making a real difference. Our commitment to good governance is stronger than ever,” he said.
In the same context, State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore emphasized that the most significant impact of the training lies in its contribution to fostering social peace among the state’s diverse communities. Addressing more than 100 lawmakers and administrative staff participating in the latest UNMISS-led workshop, he stated: “Resolving conflict peacefully is a shared responsibility, and we must be at the forefront of that effort.”
The UN mission confirmed that these capacity-building workshops will continue in the coming period as part of its ongoing support to local legislative institutions.
Nwapa, who also serves as a Civil Affairs Officer, added:
“What has been achieved so far motivates us to continue. We are committed to providing all the support and expertise we can to strengthen the state legislature.”
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