The Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly resumed sittings Tuesday after a recess lasting more than a year, with officials citing insecurity as a key reason for the delay.
The assembly initially adjourned in February 2024 for what was meant to be a three-month break but failed to reconvene as planned.
The reopening ceremony in Yambio was presided over by Speaker Wakila Charles and attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, and political party representatives.
The state is currently under the leadership of an acting governor from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) after President Salva Kiir dismissed Alfred Futuyo, an opposition SPLM-IO governor, earlier this year.
In her opening remarks, Speaker Wakila commended assembly staff for their dedication despite not receiving salaries for over a year.
“Even without pay, our staff remained dedicated to keeping this institution functional,” she said.
She highlighted achievements during the recess, including renovations to the Speaker’s office with support from the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), construction of a two-room latrine funded by the state governor, training sessions for lawmakers, and the integration of support staff into the assembly’s system.
However, Wakila raised concerns over delayed payments, lack of transport for leadership, inadequate office space, and insufficient operational funds.
Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa presented the government’s policy statement for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, focusing on peace, governance, and development.
“We are committed to inclusive governance, protection of human rights, and reconciliation,” Rimbasa said. “This policy prioritizes peacebuilding, service delivery, and institutional accountability.”
He cited his achievements, including the peaceful reintegration of more than 3,700 former opposition soldiers, ongoing community dialogues, and strengthened partnerships with peacebuilding organizations.
Rimbasa also outlined plans to improve security through community policing, digitize the government payroll, and implement transparency reforms.
Lawmakers welcomed the reopening and the new policy direction.
“It gives us a clear legislative direction,” said Jeseten Pitia Benson (SPLM Women’s List – Mundri East).
Monoko Leone Rodolphe (Yambio Constituency, Ezo County) said the document addresses urgent concerns, while Cabinet Affairs Minister John Bariyon Furula (SPLM-IO) affirmed his party’s support.
“SPLM-IO stands firmly behind peace and the current leadership,” Furula stated.
Simon Elias Parakiti, chairperson of the Other Political Parties (OPP), pledged cooperation among political groups for the public good.
Assembly Clerk Isaac Andrea Basia told Radio Tamazuj that 64 of 100 lawmakers attended the reopening, including 11 from SPLM-IO, with the rest representing SPLM, OPP, SSOA, and other groups.
“We are ready to work together in the interest of the people of Western Equatoria,” Basia said.
Emmanuel Wanga, chairperson of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Western Equatoria, hailed the reopening as restoring a critical platform for citizen voices.
“For nearly two years, the state has been governed without a functioning assembly,” Wanga said. “Now, Parliament must act for the people—especially in areas like Tambura where people sleep hungry amid insecurity.”
He urged lawmakers to pass a people-focused budget and called on President Kiir to ensure elections proceed in 2026.
“We need to transition into a democratic nation where leaders are elected and held accountable,” Wanga stressed.