By Yiep Joseph
Civil society activists have criticized the indefinite postponement of the reopening of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).
They urged the parliament leadership to urgently fix a new date for the Assembly’s reopening or publicly explain the meaning of the indefinite postponement.
The activists’ concerns followed the government announcement on Thursday that the scheduled reopening date of Monday, June 9, was no longer valid.
Oliver Mori, the spokesperson for the parliament, declared the indefinite postponement and urged the public to remain patient, adding that a new date would be set. However, the reasons for the postponement were not clearly stated.
The TNLA declared a recess for its members in December 2024. The MPs were supposed to resume their duties in April, but there have been a series of delays since then.
In response to the indefinite postponement, Ter Manyang, Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), called on the government to establish a new date and urgently reopen the parliament.
“We urge the Transitional Government of National Unity to immediately clarify the reasons behind this indefinite postponement and to set a new date for Parliament to resume its critical functions,” Manyang said.
He expressed concern that delays in reopening the National Assembly could lead to a loss of public trust in the peace agreement.
“Delays in legislative activities not only stall key reforms but also erode public trust in the peace process,” he said.
“This delay, announced without a clear explanation or rescheduled date, poses a serious threat to the fragile peace process and undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance and uphold the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)”, he explained.
Youal Gatkuoth, Executive Director for the Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA), reiterated that the parliament is essential for discussing issues and finding solutions.
“The Parliament is a pillar of national dialogue and democratic transition,” Gatkuoth stated. “It’s continued absence will only deepen the political vacuum, marginalize the voices of ordinary South Sudanese, and risk further instability,” he added.
CPA and PAPA are particularly concerned about the impact of this development on pending legislative priorities, including the enactment of electoral laws, the national budget, security arrangements, and accountability mechanisms crucial for ongoing peace implementation.
The two organizations called on all stakeholders, including regional bodies such as IGAD and the African Union, to engage with South Sudanese leadership to ensure that parliamentary functions are restored without delay, empowering the people’s representatives to fulfill the commitments made under the peace agreement.
CPA and PAPA reaffirm their commitment to supporting peace, justice, and inclusive governance in South Sudan and across the continent.
They stand with the citizens of South Sudan in their quest for a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future.
As the TNLA prepares to reconvene, the South Sudan Land Alliance (SSuLA), a coalition of civil society organizations and land rights advocates, has called on the House to prioritize the passage of the National Land Policy, stressing that continued delays are detrimental.
The policy, approved by the Council of Ministers on October 27, 2023, was tabled before the TNLA on November 21, 2024, and has been in development for nearly two decades.