Bor, Jonglei State – For nearly a year, the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly has remained closed, leaving its chambers silent, its seats empty, and critical governance functions stalled. What began as a political standoff has now evolved into a full-blown governance crisis, affecting communities across the state.
With the assembly nonfunctional, essential laws remain unpassed, oversight of ministries has halted, and the executive operates without the checks and balances required by the constitution. For citizens, the absence of legislative accountability is no longer a distant political concern—it is impacting daily life.
In Bor town, 32-year-old Victoria Yom Geu described the prolonged closure as a silencing of women’s voices. “We voted for MPs to speak for us. If they are not sitting, then who can represent us?” she said, highlighting the stalled discussions on gender-based violence, healthcare access, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities. Yom warned that the legislative vacuum is also delaying the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), slowing peace reforms and leaving vulnerable communities without support.
Other residents echo her concerns. Mama Kenya Mach of the Jonglei State Women Association emphasized that public trust in state institutions has eroded. “Hospitals have been closed, roads projects stalled, market prices rising unchecked… The governor alone cannot manage state affairs adequately without parliamentary oversight,” she said.
Youth representative Peter Ajak Ayom recalled how annual budget debates once held ministries accountable. “Now ministries operate without scrutiny. Services fail, and no one is answerable,” he said, warning that security risks could rise as the festive season approaches.
Civil society activists are also sounding the alarm. Edmond Yakani, executive director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), described the closure as a “direct attack on democratic governance and public accountability,” urging political leaders to reconcile differences that have paralyzed the legislature.
Members of the assembly expressed frustration at being unable to perform their constitutional duties. Hon. Kuol Bol Ayom noted that stalled budgets have delayed health, education, infrastructure, and resettlement projects in his constituency. Hon. Deng Bol Wuol accused the governor of violating constitutional rights and the peace agreement by preventing MPs from sitting.
The Speaker of the assembly, Hon. Amer Ateny Alier, acknowledged the governance vacuum but cited political reluctance from the state executive as a major barrier. “We were ready to resume our duties, but the governor has refused to engage with the assembly, causing serious administrative and legal problems,” she said.
Attempts to reach the Jonglei State government for comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, citizens, activists, and assembly members are calling for urgent political action to reopen the legislature, restore oversight, and ensure the state government can function effectively.