Members of the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly take the oath of office. Courtesy photo.

A civil society group in Jonglei State has called for the urgent reopening of the state Transitional Legislative Assembly, which it says has remained in recess since 2024.

In a statement issued on August 18, Intrepid South Sudan said the prolonged closure has weakened legislative oversight and affected the functioning of the state government.

The group said the assembly plays a key role in representing the people, making laws and overseeing the executive.

It accused the state government of operating without legislative scrutiny, including collecting and spending public revenue without an approved budget.

“This assembly has remained in unending recess for close to two consecutive years, since 2024 to date, despite the recent appointment of the Speaker. This perpetual dysfunctionality has further exacerbated the plights of the people of Jonglei State and difficulties in the functioning of the State Government,” said Intrepid South Sudan, which is based in the state capital, Bor.

Intrepid South Sudan said the lack of legislative oversight could increase the risk of corruption and undermine the rule of law.

The organization also linked the prolonged closure to growing challenges in the state, including intra- and inter-communal conflicts, a worsening humanitarian situation, particularly in the northern counties, and shrinking civic space.

“The Executive arm of the Government now operates without a Legislative scrutiny. It continues to make revenues and spend freely without a budget, leaving corruption to chance, as the Rule of Law is constantly undermined with impunity,” the group said.

It called on the Council of States to engage the Jonglei State government and push for the reopening of the assembly.

The group also urged the Council of States to treat the matter as a priority and take an active role in resolving the prolonged recess.

“On the other hand, Intra-communal and inter-communal conflicts have overwhelmed the State capacity to manage them, humanitarian crisis has deepened, especially in the Northern Counties, while civic space deteriorates further,” the statement added.

The Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly has not commented on the call for its reopening.