The reopening of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly has been postponed to August 11 following leadership changes in the state parliament, officials said Monday.
Last week, President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued decrees restructuring cabinets and legislatures in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria states. Among the changes, Achol William was replaced as speaker of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal Assembly by Abuk Jiel Dhieu under the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) ticket.
Lawmakers had been scheduled to resume sessions Monday after a four-month recess, but the leadership transition forced the delay, said Garang Kuol Mabior, head of the assembly’s information committee.
“The speaker has been changed, and the new speaker will be sworn in next Monday, which will also be the day of reopening,” Kuol told Radio Tamazuj. He added that the governor had coordinated the new timeline.
Key agenda items for the upcoming session include passing the 2025-2026 budget, addressing road infrastructure and reviewing legislative procedures, Kuol said.
The assembly has been inactive since March, exceeding the three-month recess period outlined in its code of conduct. Some lawmakers criticized the delay, saying it hindered their ability to address constituents’ needs.
“We are now in five months of recess, which violates the code we are supposed to uphold,” said legislator Majok Madut Gar. “There are urgent issues that need parliamentary discussion.”
Civil society groups, including the Northern Bahr el Ghazal Women’s Union, said they are monitoring the situation.
The union’s chairlady Agau Kon Kuol warned that further delays would prompt advocacy for the assembly’s swift reopening.
“If they postpone again, we will push for action,” Kuol said. “Critical issues require lawmakers’ attention.”