By William Madouk
Lifespan of the Revitalized Transition Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) is finally, officially extended for two more-years.
According to the presidential press unit, president Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday signed the transitional constitution of South Sudan, 2011 amendment No.12, bill 2024 – for extension of government’s term of office.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit has officially signed Amendment Number 12 to the Transitional Constitution of 2011, extending the transitional period by two years,” PPU noted.
Even photos shots posted by the Presidential Press unity, explicitly portray what the scripts reveal in actuality.
The assent of the president to the amendment Bill followed its approval on Friday in an extraordinary Parliamentary Secession, chaired by the speaker, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba.
The hast to assent the amendment bill over the weekend aimed at avoiding constitutional vacuum for the current government of national unity under 2018 peace deal.
According to the speaker, the extension will enable the government to complete the pending essential tasks outlined in the peace agreement and adequately prepare for democratic elections.
Nunu also urged all stakeholders to collaborate in implementing the necessary provisions for the upcoming elections.
Speaker Nunu reaffirmed that the R-TGoNU under President Kiir is committed to exceptionally deliver more during the extended period so as to pave the way for free, fair and credible polls.
On Friday, the parliament in a marathon extraordinary session passed the bill through all stages in a single day, making the bill, the fastest ever passed in the history of the country.
The House was racing against the time, so that government won’t be dissolved by September 22, 2024.
Despite its approval, a section of legislators at the national assembly vowed that the recent two years extension is the last, urging the RTGoNU to utilize it well.
Meanwhile, the executive director for Community Empowerment Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani claims lack of political will was the reason, the leaders are were running a marathon race for legitimacy.
He called on political parties to demonstrate political will and implement pending provisions.
On Sep 10, the political parties, signatory to the 2018 peace agreement agreed for the postponement of the elections and extend transition period from Feb 22, 2025 to Feb 22, 2027.
On Sept 13, the presidency nodded at the postponement on election and extension of transition period.
Similarly, the national council of ministries unanimously endorsed extension on Sept 18; followed by R-JMEC on September 18, were more than two-third consented for delay of polls.
However, most international communities and diplomats objected the decision to extent the transition period.