South Sudan lawmakers adjourn session over minister absence on hunger concerns

JUBA – South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly abruptly adjourned its Tuesday session due to the absence of key ministers summoned to address the looming hunger crisis.

Lawmakers expressed displeasure with repeated ministerial no-shows, arguing it stalled parliamentary business on a critical issue.

Those summoned included Finance Minister Eng. Awow Daniel Chuang, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Josephine Joseph Lagu, and Trade and Industry Minister William Anyuon Kuol.

The summons stemmed from a motion tabled last month by Stephen Bol, representing Mayom County in Unity State.

Bol detailed the worsening food security situation in his constituency and the nationwide surge in commodity prices.

“A number of ministers were summoned, about five in total. This included the ministers of finance, humanitarian affairs, trade and industry, petroleum, and agriculture,” said Oliver Mori Benjamin, chairperson of the parliamentary information committee and assembly spokesperson, after the session.

“However, two ministers were out of the country on official duty – the trade and petroleum ministers – who are reportedly pursuing the issue of the oil pipeline through Port Sudan,” he added.

“Given these absences, the speaker and the house decided to adjourn today’s session until a later date when all the relevant ministers are available.”