(Yambio) – After more than a year without parliamentary sittings, the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly officially reopened on Tuesday in Yambio, with leaders citing insecurity as the main reason for the prolonged recess. The assembly had initially adjourned in February 2024 for a planned three-month break but failed to reconvene until now.
The reopening ceremony was led by Speaker Wakila Charles and attended by state officials, political party representatives, and lawmakers. The state is currently administered by Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, following the dismissal of opposition SPLM-IO Governor Alfred Futuyo by President Salva Kiir earlier this year.
Speaker Wakila praised the commitment of the assembly staff, who continued to support operations despite not receiving their salaries for over 12 months. “Even without pay, our staff remained dedicated to keeping this institution functional,” she said during her remarks.
She outlined several accomplishments that took place during the assembly’s closure, including the renovation of the Speaker’s office through support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the construction of a small latrine funded by the governor, staff training programmes, and the formal inclusion of support staff into the assembly system.
Despite these efforts, she raised concerns about outstanding salary arrears, limited transport for assembly leadership, inadequate office space, and a lack of operational funding—issues that continue to affect the effectiveness of the assembly.
During the session, Acting Governor Rimbasa presented the government’s policy statement for the 2025–2026 financial year, focusing on peacebuilding, governance, and development. He promised an inclusive government approach that respects human rights and promotes reconciliation.
“We are committed to inclusive governance, protection of human rights, and reconciliation,” said Rimbasa. He added that the administration is prioritising peace, service delivery, and public accountability in its next phase of work.
He also mentioned key achievements, including the peaceful reintegration of more than 3,700 former opposition fighters, support for community level dialogues, and stronger partnerships with peacebuilding groups. Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce community policing to boost security, digitise payroll systems, and enforce transparency reforms.
Members of the assembly welcomed the reopening and the governor’s proposed plans. Jeseten Pitia Benson, representing SPLM’s Women’s List in Mundri East, said the new policy framework provided clear guidance for legislative work.
Monoko Leone Rodolphe from Ezo County said the proposals respond to urgent community needs, while SPLM-IO Cabinet Affairs Minister John Bariyon Furula reaffirmed his party’s commitment to peace and cooperation with the current leadership.
“We in SPLM-IO stand firmly behind peace and the current leadership,” Furula stated.
Simon Elias Parakiti, who chairs the bloc of Other Political Parties (OPP), said all political forces should cooperate for the public good, especially during such a critical time for the state.
Clerk of the Assembly Isaac Andrea Basia said 64 out of the 100 lawmakers attended the reopening session, including 11 from the SPLM-IO. The rest represented SPLM, OPP, the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), and other political groupings.
“We are ready to work together in the interest of the people of Western Equatoria,” Basia noted.
Civil society also welcomed the development. Emmanuel Wanga, the regional coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said the reopening restores a vital institution for public participation and representation.
“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 budget that addresses the basic needs of citizens and called on President Kiir to ensure that elections go ahead as planned in 2026.
“We need to transition into a democratic nation where leaders are elected and held accountable,” Wanga stressed.
Expectations are high among citizens and stakeholders that legislative and executive collaboration will deliver tangible improvements to governance, security, and basic services in the state as the assembly resumes its work.
