After a six-month recess, South Sudan’s National Legislative Assembly has resumed its work amidst mounting political uncertainty and fractures within the ruling peace coalition government.
The reopening of the First Session of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislature comes at a tense juncture, as leaders of the SPLM-IO, one of the principal signatories to the 2018 Peace Agreement, are reportedly under detention and hiding, raising serious concerns about the stability of the transitional process.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has, however, used the moment to urge calm, focus, and cooperation as he addressed the lawmakers in Juba on Wednesday with a clarion call for action: “The task before us is urgent. Our people are watching and they expect action, not promises.”
His speech framed peace as the only viable path forward, even as cracks in the unity government became more apparent while reaffirming the nation’s direction with unwavering resolve, saying, “South Sudan will not go back to war.”
Kiir also emphasized the importance of recommitting to the Peace Agreement ahead of the national elections despite ongoing political conflict, stating, “I urge all parties to the Peace Agreement to recommit without setting pre-conditions or reservations to complete the remaining transitional tasks in time for free, fair, and credible elections in 2026.”
The detention of SPLM-IO leadership has triggered concern among observers, civil society, and international partners, many of whom attended the parliamentary reopening in hopes of renewed dialogue and progress.
While Kiir extended an open hand to opposition groups, trust remains fragile, and the political environment is fraught with unresolved tensions.
Despite the uncertainty, the reopening represents a milestone, and possibly a new beginning. With President Kiir’s message reverberating through the chamber, the burden now shifts to legislators and peace stakeholders to transform rhetoric into real reform.
As South Sudan’s lawmakers take their seats, the people await not just resolutions, but reassurance that the democratic process will be protected and strengthened in the face of adversity.
