The Unity State Transitional Legislative Assembly has called on all lawmakers to return to Bentiu by Friday, August 8, 2025, for the reopening of the assembly’s first session after an extended recess.
In a statement issued Friday, James Dhoal Gatduel Dhoal, clerk of the state assembly, urged members both within the country and abroad to report to parliament.
“Honorable Members of the Unity State Transitional Legislative Assembly, you are cordially informed to report to Parliament for the opening session following the long recess,” Dhoal said. “The date has been rescheduled from Monday to Friday, August 8, 2025, as directed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker.”
He requested that lawmakers share the notice with colleagues who may not have received it.
The session had been delayed following the removal of the former Unity State governor on May 20, 2024.
Stephen Mawich Kai, chairperson of the assembly’s information committee, told Radio Tamazuj that at least 51 of the 100 MPs must attend for the session to proceed under parliamentary rules.
“We expect the parliament to open this week after the recess that began on December 20, 2023,” Kai said. “A quorum requires 51 members, though we hope for 60.”
Dr. Riek Koang, a civil society activist and coordinator of the Street Children Care Initiative Organization, urged lawmakers to address soaring market prices and unemployment.
“Civil servants earn between 30,000 and 50,000 South Sudanese pounds (SSP), while a 50-kg bag of sorghum costs 380,000 SSP,” Koang said. “Youth unemployment is fueling drug abuse and cattle raiding in neighboring states. Parliament must prioritize these issues.”
He called for oil revenue to fund vocational training to deter youth from criminal activities.
Bentiu resident John Kai said the assembly’s reopening would allow lawmakers to address community concerns.
“MPs represent the seven counties of Unity State, but since December 20, 2023, there have been no sessions,” Kai said. “Without parliament, challenges go unresolved.”