A member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), loyal to Dr. Riek Machar, has welcomed President Salva Kiir’s decision to reopen parliament amid ongoing political tensions.
Juol Nhomngek Gec, an MP representing Cueibet County in Lakes State under the SPLM-IO ticket, told Standard Zone News on Wednesday that his party’s lawmakers will participate in the anticipated parliamentary sitting in June.
Nhomngek expressed optimism that the confusion within his party would be addressed during the session, which he believes will help determine the opposition’s quorum.
“The absence of some members of the opposition will be addressed by the chief whips during the parliamentary sitting. The reason for their absence will be communicated by the chief whips after the resumption of sittings,” Nhomngek stated.
His remarks follow President Kiir’s meeting with the Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba, where Kiir directed her to reopen parliament in June after months of recess.
According to a statement from the President’s Office, Kiir met with Kumba on Wednesday to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming session.
Parliamentarians went into recess on December 15, 2024, and were initially expected to resume their normal business in early April 2025.
However, delays prompted lawmakers to pressure the executive to reopen parliament, allowing legislators to perform their oversight responsibilities.
This week, Nhomngek urged the executive to expedite the reopening of parliament, emphasizing the need to discuss pressing issues affecting citizens.
“We demand that Parliament be opened as soon as possible. We, the members of Parliament, urge the executive to reopen Parliament so that we can resume our duties. The government cannot function unless all its organs are operational,” he asserted.
