Understanding South Sudan’s road map to political stability

South Sudan took a significant step towards political stability as President Salva Kiir reconstituted the parliament, following the provisions of the 2018 Peace Agreement. The formation of the Revitalized Transitional Legislative Assembly, as highlighted in the agreement, saw the appointment of 550 lawmakers from various parties who signed the peace accord. To shed light on the country's journey towards economic and political stability, Parek Maduot, Director of Economic Development & Regional Integration at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, shared insights during a recent interview. One of the key milestones in the peace agreement is the establishment of a transitional assembly to legislate during the transitional period. The delay in reconstituting the old parliament has been a setback in the overall implementation of the agreement. However, with the appointment of the new 550-member National Legislative Assembly and executive branches for the states and administrative areas, progress is being made. There is still pending work on judiciary reforms and other aspects outlined in the agreement, which are crucial for fostering stability and sustainable governance. The inclusivity of the newly appointed lawmakers is a point of discussion. Maduot emphasized that the allocation of lawmakers is based on the provisions of the 2018 peace accord, ensuring representation from various political factions that signed the agreement. While the current parliament reflects a multi-party legislature, there are holdover groups that did not commit to the accord, indicating a partial representation of the national unity government. The diversity in ethnic and gender representation is a positive aspect, but concerns about the parliament's credibility and trust remain, particularly among civil society groups and activists. As South Sudan progresses towards political stability, the role of the new parliament in overseeing transparent and inclusive constitutional reforms is crucial. The legislative body's collaboration with the government to implement envisioned reforms and facilitate a successful transition to elections after the 36-month transitional period is essential. Amid concerns about delays and the pace of progress, there is hope that the parliament will serve as a catalyst for moving the country forward. While the recent developments signify a step towards political stability, South Sudan's economy faces challenges. The country has implemented interventions, including strengthening the local currency against the US dollar and controlling inflation through market interventions. However, the impact on the common citizens' livelihoods is yet to be fully realized. The government's fiscal management and investment strategies, particularly in utilizing oil proceeds effectively, are critical for driving economic growth. With impending expenses related to elections, constitutional processes, and security arrangements, the economy faces significant hurdles. The path to political stability in South Sudan involves navigating complex economic challenges while ensuring inclusive governance and sustainable reforms. As the newly appointed parliament begins its legislative role, the country looks towards overcoming delays, fostering trust, and addressing economic constraints to achieve lasting stability and prosperity.