South Sudan’s parliament on Tuesday deferred a scheduled summons for the defense minister to answer questions about the welfare of war veterans, after the minister failed to appear because he was out of the country.
The Transitional National Legislative Assembly had summoned Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok to present a comprehensive report on the living conditions of veterans and victims of the country’s liberation struggle. The summons followed a motion last month by lawmakers who argued that former fighters have been neglected since South Sudan gained independence.
During Tuesday’s session, Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba informed legislators that Balok was not present.
“On the order of the day, we have the minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs to make a presentation… but I don’t see the minister of Defense here. I’m told he is not in the country,” Kumba said, directing that the item be postponed to a later date.
The minister was expected to appear during the parliament’s ordinary sitting to detail the situation of war victims and former combatants. Lawmakers had prepared to press him on support programs for military families, disabled ex-fighters, and those injured during the war.
In recent months, soldiers and veterans have publicly complained of delayed salary payments, a lack of medical assistance and poor housing conditions. Legislators say many former fighters have been left without pensions or reliable income.
In a separate matter, the parliament also did not hear from the interior minister, who had been summoned to respond to a motion regarding South Sudan’s borders with neighboring countries.
However, Speaker Kumba clarified that border security falls outside the Interior Ministry’s mandate.
“I remember very well the people who are in charge of boundaries are the border security. So, I don’t think it’s the competence of the ministry of interior,” she said.
Kumba stated that the motion would be reviewed to ensure the correct ministries and other institutions are summoned in the future.