Residents and civil society representatives in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State have called for the reopening of the state legislative assembly, which has been inactive for an extended period.
The assembly is responsible for making laws and overseeing the work of the state government.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, several residents and civil society representatives said the assembly’s continued closure had limited public representation and reduced oversight of the state government.
William Akol, secretary general of civil society organisations in Upper Nile State, said the absence of the assembly had weakened oversight of the executive.
He called on the state government to provide the funding and other resources needed for the assembly to resume its work.
Local peace activist Joseph Jacob also urged the government to reopen the assembly, saying its prolonged inactivity had created a gap in public representation and oversight.
Mojok Deng Ajak, a former assembly member, said the assembly’s closure had reduced opportunities for citizens to engage with state authorities.
He called for the assembly to resume its work and represent the concerns of citizens.
The state government could not immediately be reached for comment on the reasons for the assembly’s continued closure.
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