A comprehensive three-day induction training workshop for Central Equatoria State lawmakers, jointly organized by the National Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), is currently underway in the capital city of Juba.
Commencing on Tuesday, August 8th, and scheduled to conclude on Thursday, August 10th, the training aims to equip over 48 legislators from Central Equatoria State with the requisite knowledge and competencies essential for effectively fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.
Inaugurating the workshop, Samuel Doe, the representative from the United Nations Development Program, highlighted the significance of the induction workshop in fostering a cohesive working relationship between parliamentarians and their constituencies, as well as the executive and legislative branches. Doe noted, “The purpose of this induction workshop is simply to equip you with the skills and knowledge to discharge your responsibilities effectively. Throughout the workshop, you will delve into the intricacies of lawmaking. The workshop will also delve into the intricate relationship between parliamentarians and their constituencies, as well as parliamentarians and the executive body.”
Peter Wani Elia, the Speaker of the Central Equatoria State’s Revitalized Legislative Assembly, emphasized that this training would serve to streamline their interactions with the various organs of the government while upholding their oversight role as the voice of the people from diverse constituencies. Elia stated, “Through this induction training, we shall emerge with enhanced knowledge to guide and promote the welfare of the people, safeguard their human rights, and uphold their fundamental rights even during critical times. This training should reaffirm the imperative of adhering to norms, principles, values, and governance standards at all levels, reflecting effective functioning and the implementation of laws for the betterment of all.”
Conversely, Honourable Mary Nawai Martin, the National Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, called upon the Governor of Central Equatoria State to establish a conducive environment that would enable the state legislative assembly to fulfil their roles effectively, thus contributing to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS). Martin appealed, “I urge you, Your Excellency, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, as the head of the executive, to create an environment conducive to the exercise of the state legislative assembly’s constitutional rights to provide oversight. This will enhance the executive’s performance in implementing the agreement and delivering essential services.”
Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony expressed gratitude towards the National Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and UNDP for initiating this training, which he believed would play a pivotal role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of legislators for effective governance. He commented, “Training is pivotal for the success of the assembly, and we are deeply grateful to our partners. Our previous collaborations with UNDP have been extremely beneficial. Training has empowered us, and I can confidently say that we achieved independence after participating in five to six training sessions. Thus, training holds paramount importance.”
Governor Adil further encouraged parliamentarians to engage in research on social, economic, cultural, and political policies, aligning with their oversight responsibilities as outlined in parliamentary procedures. He asserted, “Honourable members will be able to play their real executive roles on how actively you can initiate constituency outcry, how to identify issues that affect your respective constituencies and sustain networks striving for the best interest of your constituency and make them benefit from the government program. Is your role to come and explain why there is no road or hospital and its very important? Is your role to ensure that no policy affects the people? Parliament is the reflection of the population. The members will be able to carry out research on social, economic, and political issues, governance policies and other matters and bring them to the house for debate.”
This marks the ninth induction training workshop facilitated by partners and the national government to enhance the capacities of parliamentarians across the state. The training has brought together representatives from all constituencies within Central Equatoria State, along with members of the national assembly and peace partners.