South Sudan’s government has announced the resumption of regular cabinet meetings this week, ending a nine-month suspension that had sparked public criticism and concern over executive paralysis.
In a directive issued on Tuesday, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, said cabinet sessions will officially resume on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Lomuro instructed all ministers to attend a mandatory induction training on Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Juba before the first session is convened. The training, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, aims to “reactivate and refresh understanding of governance procedures and cabinet decision-making processes,” according to the statement seen by Radio Tamazuj.
“The measure is intended to ensure the Cabinet is fully aligned and operational before resuming its work,” the statement added.
The Ministry of Cabinet Affairs also directed the state broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), to disseminate the announcement to ensure all ministers and stakeholders are informed.
The return of regular cabinet meetings follows months of mounting pressure from lawmakers, civil society groups, independent media outlets and the public. Critics said the absence of meetings since March had stalled key government decisions, including the approval of the national budget.
Under the Transitional Constitution of of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended), the cabinet—formally known as the Council of Ministers—is the executive authority responsible for implementing national policies, laws, and decisions.
Lawmakers last month questioned the government’s failure to convene cabinet sessions amid growing political uncertainty and economic strain.
The paralysis came after heightened tensions within the unity government, triggered by the arrest of First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar in March. His detention deepened rifts within the coalition formed under the 2018 peace agreement.
Dr. Lomuro had previously announced on October 7 that cabinet meetings would resume “within a week,” but the sessions did not take place as promised.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), welcomed the latest announcement, describing it as a result of persistent public and independent media pressure.
“CEPO appreciates all actors that put pressure on the government to make cabinet meetings operational,” Yakani told Radio Tamazuj.
He urged the cabinet to address what he described as the “legal absence” of ministers representing Machar’s SPLM-IO faction and the Former Detainees group, both key signatories to the 2018 peace deal.
“The SPLM-IO and Former Detainees are missing from the administration of the unity government. The legal status of the government of national unity is slowly facing a legitimacy crisis,” Yakani warned.
Analysts say the revival of cabinet meetings will be an early test of political cohesion within the unity government, as South Sudan faces delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement and prepares for general elections scheduled to take place in December 2026.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with recurring conflict, political mistrust, and fragile governance institutions.