The spokesperson for South Sudan’s parliament has appealed for support for an MP who is in a critical condition following emergency surgery.
Oliver Mori Benjamin addressed lawmakers during a sitting on Tuesday, stating that Scopas Lo-Kabang, the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, underwent surgery on Monday night.
“As we sit here, one of us, the deputy chairperson of the committee of foreign affairs, is in a critical condition. He underwent an operation on Monday night,” Mori told the assembly.
He urged fellow members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) to offer both spiritual and financial assistance to Lo-Kabang, who is being treated at a hospital in the Gudele area of the capital, Juba.
“I ask for your prayers for Honorable Scopas Lo-Kabang,” Mori said. “I also appeal to you… to provide whatever support you can. His situation is miserable.”
The spokesperson’s appeal comes amid rising concerns over the health of parliamentarians.
Mori noted that reports of MPs falling ill have increased in recent months. Some lawmakers have previously linked such health issues to delays in the payment of medical allowances and other financial entitlements by the government.
“Of course we know there are other members who are sick. But let us go out from here with this message in our minds,” he reiterated.
Mori himself has recently returned to his duties after a period of medical leave.