By Jacob Onuha Nelson
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the National Assembly to reopen in the first week of June.
This comes after a prolonged recess that has left the nation’s legislative agenda on hold for months.
The announcement, made after a meeting on Wednesday between the President and Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba, signals a renewed focus on addressing critical national issues, with the upcoming budget debate at the forefront.
Speaker Nunu confirmed that upon its re-opening, the National Assembly will immediately prioritize deliberations on the national budget for the 2025-2026 financial year.
This step is expected to lay the groundwork for tackling the country’s most pressing economic and development challenges.
The re-opening of parliament signifies a new focus on national government and regional cooperation as the process of strengthening state institutions in the country continues.
The assembly, which was established under the 2018 revitalized peace agreement to guide South Sudan’s transition, adjourned for a four-month recess in December and was originally slated to reconvene in early April.
However, its reopening has been significantly delayed without official explanation.