Following a long recess, Upper Nile State's parliament – the legislative arm of the state government – reopened on Monday amid the absence of many of its members.

It remains unclear why many state MPs did not attend the opening session.

Governor James Odhok Oyai, and the Speaker of the State parliament, Chuol Dep Kier, officiated the opening of the first session of parliament in Malakal town.

In his opening remarks, Governor Othok reiterated his commitment to the peace agreement to bring lasting peace and stability to the people of Upper Nile State.

"We have to exert a great effort and work together in Upper Nile so that we restore peace and security in the state. There are a lot of challenges, so we need to work together," Odhok said.

Meanwhile, Chol Dep Kier, the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, said that the assembly faces many challenges that require concerted efforts to serve the citizens and meet their priorities.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the opening session of the parliament, several local residents appealed to the assembly to carry out its oversight role and hold the executive accountable.

Simon Peter, a resident of Malakal town, said: "I am very happy about the reopening of the legislative assembly. I call upon the MPs and the speaker to do their job properly to save the lives of citizens in this state."

"The priority should be security because security is everything.  Security will rebuild our social fabric that was torn apart by the conflict, so the MPs are responsible for ensuring peace," he added.

Meanwhile, Achuei Kur, another resident of Malakal, said: "The assembly should pass laws that will restore security and stability in the state. Also, we want the parliament to control the rising prices of essential commodities in the market."

She also called on the state assembly to work together for the sake of peace in the state.

Many citizens of Upper Nile State who fled during the civil war are returning home to rebuild their lives after the formation of the transitional unity government in February 2020.