FILE PHOTO: Hon. John Agany, Chairperson of Information Committee at the TNLA - Courtesy/March 2022

The National Legislative Assembly will prioritize the deliberation and passing of bills related to the implementation of peace agreement as soon as the sitting resumes, says Spokesperson.

On December 14, 2023, Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba declared a six-week recess until the 15 of February, 2024.

But this has delayed by a month now.

Speaking on the Sundown Show on Friday, lawmaker John Agany hoped that the sitting resumes soon as the country heads towards elections.

According to him, some bills related to the peace agreement were table before the August house – with some in the first reading stages.

“As far as I’m concerned, they (bills) have been tabled for the first time and you know that the bills are actually tabled in four stages. Some of these bills are already tabled and they are with this specialized committees.

Hon.Agany blame the delay on the recess saying; “We were caught up when we went on December 15  for recess,and I hope as soon as we will come back to resume because we are going for election.“

Hon.Agany said once the sessions resume, the parliament will give priority to those bills including the Anti-GBV bill and family laws.

“Of course, we will give a chance to build what is called for by the peace agreement. We will treat them first. If any of them comes across definitely, we will give it a priority.

“It will not take time by the way, and we will have those bills  passed. They have taken time because of recess, so recess has become our enemy because it delays.

According to the roadmap extending the 2018 peace deal, South Sudanese will cast their votes in December this year.

On February 13, the SPLM In Opposition suggested a 24-month extension to complete the pending critical tasks that are prerequisites to the conduct of elections.

The document addressed to President Salva Kiir, called for the enactment of permanent constitution, implementation of the security arrangements, census, judiciary reforms, repatriation of refugees, and IDP settlement and establishment of the Hybrid Court, before elections take place.