By Baraka John
YAMBIO – The Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly, Hon. Wakila Charles Nganmunde, has raised alarm over what she described as a “dysfunctional system of governance” that has severely hampered the performance of the state legislature.
Speaking during the official reopening of the assembly on Tuesday, after more than a year of inactivity, Speaker Wakila pointed to structural and administrative failures that have paralyzed the institution’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
“There has been consistent non-compliance with the Assembly’s calendar sessions delayed, recesses extended without justification,” Wakila said. “The dysfunction within the state government continues to obstruct efforts to build an effective legislative institution.”
The Assembly has remained dormant since March 2023, exceeding its constitutionally mandated three-month recess. Under the Conduct of Business Regulations, the Assembly is required to hold three-month sessions followed by a three-month recess. However, Wakila noted that the legislators have been unable to convene, summon ministers, or pass budgets due to legal and political obstructions.
The legislative deadlock has been compounded by friction between the executive and legislative arms of government. Lawmakers have reportedly gone unpaid, and the previous governor had refused to reopen the assembly. Despite the Finance and Economic Committee preparing and submitting a state budget, no sitting was convened to review or approve it.
As a result, Western Equatoria has operated without an approved budget for nearly four years raising serious questions about fiscal accountability and the delivery of basic services including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
In a move to restore confidence in the government, Acting Governor Hon. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa pledged his administration’s support for an empowered and independent legislature.
“This time we are going to restore unity and dignity among honorable members. You must work without fear or favor. Summon ministers, summon even me to appear before this house,” said Governor Badagbu during his policy address to lawmakers.
He emphasized the importance of respecting the separation of powers, urging all three branches, executive, legislative, and judiciary to operate independently and in accordance with the Constitution.
Civil society leaders welcomed the reopening of the Assembly. Waga Emmanuel, Chairperson of the Network of Civil Society Organizations in Western Equatoria, stressed the need for governance rooted in democratic principles rather than wartime credentials.
“The public expects this parliament to resolve the issues affecting our state. South Sudan should be led through democratic elections, not solely by peace agreements,” Emmanuel stated.
The crisis dates back to the administration of former Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, who was accused of sidelining the Assembly and ruling unilaterally actions that lawmakers say led to the institution’s shutdown.
As the Assembly resumes its functions, both lawmakers and citizens are watching closely, hopeful that this marks a turning point for governance in Western Equatoria.