Expedite implementation of security reforms, MPs urge parties

December 12, 2021 (JUBA) – South Sudan Council of State legislators have reminded parties to the peace agreement to speed up the implementation of the security sector reforms, constitutional making processes and population census.

The call came at the end of a three-day training organized by the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice (CIGPJ) in partnership with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMISS) and South Sudan Women Empowerment Network (SSWEN) for about 60 Council of States lawmakers.

Speaking at the closure of the training in the capital, Juba on Saturday, the deputy speaker of the Council of States, Mary Ayen Majok, lauded the lawmakers for the resilience demonstrated during the training.

“The Center for Inclusive Governance Peace and Justice should conduct more of such similar training involving the participation of all members of the Council of States,” she said.

Held under the theme, “Capacity Strengthening for Sustainable Peace”, the training attracted lawmakers, partners, legal, gender, communication and political science experts.

Jackeline Nasiwa, the Executive Director for CIGPJ, lauded the Council of State lawmakers for coming up with concreted resolutions at the end of the three-day training.

“Members of the Council of States, the lower house of the assembly, play critical roles in the implementation of the peace deal,” she said.

Nasiwa, however, stressed that the roles of Council of State members in the peace agreement implementation should be clearly spelt out.

Aldo Ajou Deng, a Council of States lawmaker, said they are committed to the implementation of the revitalized peace accord.

“The parties to the revitalized peace agreement should involve the participation of the Council of State members in the implementation of the peace deal,” he remarked.

The training aimed at identifying and analyzing key priorities for the Council of States in the implementation of the peace deal, including governance structures, constitution development, transitional justice, censors and elections. It equipped the Council of States MPs with leadership, mediation, negotiations, advocacy, communication and networking skills.

The group also appealed to all parties to the revitalized peace agreement to clearly define the role of the Council of States members in the implementation of the accord that ended nearly five years of civil war.

They further requested regional and international partners to continue supporting the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement unconditionally.

The Council of States was established in 2011 by South Sudan’s interim constitution. Currently, the reconstituted assembly consists of 100 legislators appointed by President Salva Kiir.

(ST)