S. Sudan’s powerful friends welcome formation of peace legislature

JUBA – A number of powerful countries have issued a joint statement reacting to the formation of South Sudan’s Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TGONU) saying it is an important step required by the revitalized peace agreement signed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny in 2018 who is now Kiir’s first deputy.

On Monday, Kiir issued a republic order reconstituting the transitional legislative body appointing 550 politicians representing five parties which are signatories to the revitalized peace agreement as lawmakers.

The decision was expected to take place in 2019, but disagreements by the parties which pushed implementation of crucial peace tasks have resulted in the more than two-year delay of the parliament reconstitution.

In a statement on Tuesday, powerful countries of United States, United Kingdoms, Norway, Canada, the European Union, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden welcomed the presidential action and congratulated the parties for taking one of the most important steps of the revitalized peace agreement.

“The United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, the European Union, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden congratulate the Government of South Sudan on reconstituting the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA),” the statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

“This is an important action required by the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, and a necessary step toward peace in South Sudan,” it continued, stressing that “a unified and functioning legislature is essential to restoring effective governance and delivering crucial reform.”

The countries which are also South Sudan’s friends say they are looking forward to the formation of the Council of States which the statement says will also be important in addressing many problems awaiting it.

“We also look forward to the reconstitution of the Council of States, which will be crucial in tackling numerous challenges within the states, including displacement, land issues, and conflict. It is vital that both the R-TNLA and the Council of States adhere to the 35 percent female representation requirement as stipulated in the peace agreement,” it said.

“We encourage the government to build upon this achievement and accelerate momentum behind broader chapters of the agreement leading into South Sudan’s 10-year independence anniversary. We will continue to support the South Sudanese people as they advance toward peace and prosperity,” it added.