Jonglei State | Credit | Wikipedia

The government in Jonglei state says plans are underway to reopen the state legislative assembly after it was closed last year.

The assembly members have been on recess since the crisis begun in mid-December.

The state government temporarily operated from Juba because of the frequent clashes between government forces and the forces of the SPLA-in Opposition.

The newly appointed Deputy Governor of Jonglei state, Baba Medan told Eye Radio from Bor that all state legislators will be expected to report back to the assembly once opened.

“We are going open the assembly officially and then they will begin their activities as normal,” he said.

In Jonglei, some Members of Parliament reported took up arms against the government.

“The law is very clear; the speaker and the assembly authority will take action against any member who joined the rebels.”

Mr. Medan said the assembly will discuss on what to do with Members of Parliament who will not have reported back.

“For members who are in the women list or party list, it is the party to take action,” said Mr Medan. “The authority of the election commission will also check on their procedures.”

Baba Medan said most of the MPs are already in Bor town.

He said the MPs will decide on when to resume the assembly’s functions.