By William Madouk
The speaker, Jemma Nunu Kumba, has sent MPs for their Christmas and New Year recess empty pockets. Speaker Nunu explained that since the second session in April 2024, MPs have not gone for recess in order to allow them to address key bills related to the peace deal as requested by the president.
“However, due to challenges that were faced with the implementation of the peace agreement, the parties to the agreement set and agreed to extend the transition for another two years,” she stated.
The speaker noted that having completed all the key legislations that were required before curtain close in the year 2024, she consulted President Salva Kiir, who gave the green light for a break.
“Pursuant to Regulation 23.3 and 4 of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, Conduct of Business Regulation 2011 amended 2021 and read together with Regulation 41.1b and 2 of the Council of States, Conduct of Business Regulation 2011 amended 2021 and after consultation with His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan,” Nunu said
“I, Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the National Legislature, RSS, do hereby declare recess till the first Monday of April 2025,” she declared.
Nunu, However, noted that all legislators would go for recess empty pocket due to economic challenges.
“Hon. Members of the House, I am aware that there are concerns about the recess funds that were supposed to be given to Members of Parliament for the first recess and the second recess and also this recess. This is a requirement by law, but due to the difficult economic situation we have, these funds were not provided for the Members of the House,”
She underscored that her docket had submitted all the request letters for recess monies, medical funds, and accumulated salary arrears to the Ministry of Finance, awaiting action.
Speaker Nunu explained that she informed the president of how the trainer missed the parliamentary games in East Africa that are currently being hosted in Arusha, Tanzania.
“This year, 2024, the TNL was not able to participate because of financial difficulties. So that’s why members did not travel. However, the administration managed to facilitate the trainers for the periods they were in the training center. When it came to going there, which requires a lot of money, it was not possible because we had to deal with priorities,”
Nunu stated that Some members felt it was important to prioritize medical rather than going for games, and eventually, nobody went because of the difficulties.
Hon. Nunu revealed that she requested the minister of finance to attend the session in order to answer questions from MPs, but regrettably, the treasurer noted that he is quite engaged in ensuring salary payment for civil servants.
Hon. Nunu highlighted some outstanding bills: the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Area Bill, the National Audit Chamber Act Amendment Bill, the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Bill, and the Non-Governmental Organization Act 2016 Amendment Bill 2024.
Others include the National Examination Council Act 2011 Amendment Bill 2024, the East Africa Community Treaty Bill, Sports Development Policy 2024-2030, and the National Land Policy.