IGAD urges expeditious reconstitution of Council of States, swearing of R-TNLA lawmakers   

JUBA – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which mediated the revitalized peace agreement signed between the government, and a number of opposition groups, is urging the unity government to expeditiously reconstitute the Council of States and swear in newly-appointed members of the R-TNLA.

The call was made by the IGAD Council of Minister following the powerful regional body’s 72^nd extra-ordinary summit held via videoconference on June 24, 2021. The communiqué “Commended the Parties for completing the task of expanding and reconstituting the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).”

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit in May dissolved then formed the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TGONU), appointing over 500 senior government and opposition officials into the lawmaking institution as provided for the 2018 peace agreement.

However, disagreements over replacement of lawmakers who were popularly elected during the 2010 elections resulted in delayed swearing in ceremony and President Salva Kiir is reportedly investigating why those lawmakers were not appointed.

In the communiqué, the IGAD Council of Minister said its wants the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) “to expedite swearing-in of members of the Assembly,” that are already appointed.

It also urged the unity government “to expedite the reconstitution of the Council of States, the State Legislature and conclude the restructuring and reconstitution of Institutions and Commissions at the national level.”

While noting challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, the regional block “urged the Parties to adhere to the 35% quota of women representation and to honor and respect this cardinal rule of women representation in the formation of remaining Agreement mechanisms/institutions.”