By Matik Kueth
The speaker of South Sudan’s National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA), Jemma Nunu Kumba, has challenged lawmakers to rise above personal and political interests and recommit to the nation’s peace, unity, and democratic vision.
Speaking during the first sitting of Parliament’s 2025 session on Wednesday, Kumba struck a tone of reflection and urgency.
She acknowledged the country’s ongoing challenges, ranging from economic hardship and insecurity to delayed salaries and unresolved provisions of the peace agreement, urging MPs to deepen their commitment to public service.
“Despite the difficult circumstances our country has gone through, the Transitional National Legislature has largely delivered on its constitutional mandate,” Kumba said, affirming Parliament’s role in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
With 460 lawmakers from both houses in attendance, Kumba confirmed a quorum and set the tone for what she described as a pivotal year ahead, as the country prepares for elections in 2026.
“We alone must take collective ownership of our responsibilities and commit to addressing the needs of our people. No external actors will come to fix them for us,” she said.
She stressed Parliament’s underfunding, noting that only 40% of its budgeted money for fiscal year 2024-2025 was spent.
“Some honorable MPs were unable to travel to their constituencies, those with medical conditions were not able to get treatment to date,” she stated.
The speaker urged the Ministry of Finance to prioritize medical and operational support for MPs.
She condemned the misuse of social media by some MPs, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine national cohesion.
“There are, regrettably, a few who have chosen to use social media as a platform for personal attacks, misinformation, and inflammatory rhetoric. Such conduct can have dangerous consequences, particularly by misleading the youth,” she cautioned. Kumba said, emphasizing that grievances should be raised in Parliament, “not on Facebook or Twitter.”
Kumba defended Parliament’s oversight role, reminding ministers and officials that summons are not confrontational, but essential for transparency.
After six months of recess, the speaker also defended Parliament’s overall role, highlighting its commitment to national service amid significant constraints.