The Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly has begun a three-month recess, suspending regular sittings until April 28, 2026, unless recalled for urgent government business, officials said.
The recess follows the formal closure of the Assembly’s First Session of 2025, which resumed on July 1 after more than a year-long delay caused by insecurity in the state.
Speaker Anna Tunna Richard announced the recess during the closing ceremony on Wednesday, praising the state government for its financial support and cooperation with the legislature.
She said the break would allow lawmakers to return to their constituencies to engage with communities and gather information on local challenges, which would later be compiled into reports to guide government policy and legislation.
“This is the most appropriate way for honourable members to connect with their communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that legislation is responsive and inclusive,” Richard said.
While noting relative calm across much of Western Equatoria, the speaker said Tambura, Mundri East and Nagero counties still require targeted interventions to ensure lasting peace and security.
She urged the government to provide transport and logistical support through Ivory Bank to enable lawmakers to visit their constituencies, promote peace and unity, and address citizens’ concerns ahead of elections scheduled for December 2026.
Richard also called on authorities to resolve issues involving the Ambororo community, address salary arrears for civil servants who have gone unpaid for two years, and fast-track the integration of civil servants from the former states of Tambura, Maridi and Amadi, as provided for in the 2025/2026 budget.
During the First Session, the Assembly passed the 2025/2026 budget, approved the Emolument Bill, held 40 sittings and several committee meetings, and strengthened cooperation between the legislature and the executive, she said.
Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs John Obete echoed the speaker’s remarks, citing additional milestones including the official opening of the Assembly, the presentation of the governance speech and policy statement, the appointment of a new clerk following the death of Daniel Wauru, and the tabling of key legislation such as the Constitutional and Force Holders (Amendment) Act 2025.
Obete described the approval of the 2025/2026 fiscal budget as a critical step in strengthening the state’s financial and legal frameworks and ensuring implementation of parliamentary resolutions.
He also noted progress in renovating the Assembly hall, a project initiated under the previous administration, but raised concerns over limited mobility and logistical support, which he said continued to hamper effective parliamentary work.
The Assembly had adjourned in February 2024 for a planned three-month break but failed to reconvene as scheduled due to insecurity. The resumption in July 2025 marked renewed efforts to restore legislative functions in the state.