National Parliament Approves President’s Speech

This article was last updated on May 25, 2022

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The speech which becomes the government official policy statement that governs the August House’s current session was passed amidst heated debate and critical observation.

Among key issues of concern was silence by President Salva Kiir on corruption in his speech. The legislators said the silence of the president is an indication of lack of accountability and transparency on the usage of the oil money which is expected soon after the oil production resumption.

The Parliamentary Speaker Hon. James Wani Igga also in his opening speech did not elaborate on how this time the August House shall fight corruption. He only said he is tired of talking about corruption.

MPs described the silence of the two leaders as “doom and cancer” to the country’s future. 

They said it is the obligation of the National Legislature to fight corruption and said the House will not be silenced over the matter.

The issue of reconciliation also ignited a debate. Members raised concern over the leadership of the reconciliation committee, and said more efforts need to be made to establish a complete neutral body.

Other MPs also proposed a sub-committee of researchers be set up. According to them, the committee will research for the Reconciliation Committee on issues from the various communities to be reconciled on.

The MPs have also sought to know the loans borrowed by the government after the oil shutdown which the president in his speech said paying off would be a priority with oil money.

Abyei, a restless oil area also was also a contentious issue during the debate. The President’s speech came to the House after a select committee was formed last week and tasked to fine-tune. After thorough debate and legislation by the House, it becomes the government next policy statement.