Arop
Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly officially resumed its sessions today after a suspension lasting more than six months — a move widely seen as critical amid the country’s growing political, economic, and security challenges.
The reopening, originally scheduled for April, was indefinitely postponed, sparking public concern and debate over the future of the political process in the country.
Coinciding with the resumption of sessions, legal experts and political analysts called on the legislature to commit to implementing the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and to work toward restoring public trust in state institutions.
Silas: Parliament is the Cornerstone of Democracy
In a statement to the Media Center, Victor Batali Silas, Director of the Centre for Legal Aid and Justice (CLAJ), stressed the importance of the parliament’s return at this critical moment, saying:
“Parliament is a fundamental pillar of the democratic system. Its prolonged absence has negatively impacted oversight, accountability mechanisms, and public policy formation.”
Silas added that the reopening of the Assembly brings renewed hope for the people, especially amid rising tensions between signatories of the peace deal. He emphasized the need to seize this opportunity to reinvigorate the role of parliament as a legislative and oversight body.
He also warned against politicizing the parliament or using it as a tool for settling political scores. He called for neutrality, sufficient resource allocation to support effective legislative work, and stronger government accountability — especially given the country’s deteriorating economic situation.
Clashes and Fears of Peace Agreement Collapse
These developments follow an escalation of violence in March in Upper Nile, Unity, and Western Equatoria States, which led to the house arrest of several opposition leaders, including Dr. Riek Machar, First Vice President and head of the SPLM-IO, a major signatory to the peace agreement.
Boboya: Parliament Must Represent All Factions
Policy expert Boboya James stressed the need for inclusive parliamentary representation that reflects all parties to the peace agreement, stating:
“It is essential that the parliament reflect the true will of the people, in line with the provisions of the revitalized peace deal.”
Boboya also emphasized that the legislature must immediately address urgent national issues, including intercommunal violence, economic deterioration, and soaring poverty rates. He noted that approximately 92% of the population is unable to meet basic food needs, while only 8% live above the poverty line.
He warned that the recent waves of displacement in areas like Yei and Morobo pose a direct threat to civil peace and social stability, urging parliament to prioritize these humanitarian concerns.
Lack of a National Budget and Demand for Economic Reforms
Boboya further highlighted that South Sudan remains the only country in the region operating without a parliament-approved national budget, describing the situation as a serious flaw in governance. He urged lawmakers to make budget approval their top priority.
He argued that the national budget should focus on funding key infrastructure projects (such as roads and bridges), improving electricity, health, and education services, and creating employment opportunities for youth and women. He also called for revitalizing the private sector and boosting the national economy.
Parliament at a Crossroads
Observers believe that the coming period will be a true test of the parliament’s ability to rise to the occasion and build effective, transparent governance institutions. Analysts like Silas and Boboya agree that parliament’s performance will be a decisive factor in the successful implementation of the peace agreement and in establishing lasting stability across South Sudan.
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