Unity State lawmakers clash over three-month recess

BENTIU – Tension hangs thick in the air of Unity State’s Transitional Legislative Assembly after lawmakers abruptly went on a three-month recess, sparking dissent and accusations of forced breaks and missing funds.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Thursday, Stephen Mawich, chairperson of the parliamentary information committee, confirmed the recess, stating it began December 20^th and will conclude March 20^th, 2024.

He urged the community to celebrate Christmas and New Year peacefully, touting the assembly’s recent achievements like passing the Emoluments Act.

However, not all parliamentarians share Mawich’s jubilation.

MP David Jany Yak claims the parliament’s speaker forced the recess upon them even without passing the state budget or providing recess funds, a repeat of last year’s problematic break.

This has divided the assembly, with some members, including Jany, vowing to defy the break and continue coming to parliament.

“We rejected the recess forced on us by the Right Honorable Speaker and we will continue coming to parliament starting from tomorrow onward,” he said.

“The reason why we rejected the recess is because last time we went for recess without money and we cannot repeat the mistake we made last time,” he added.

Jany argues that lawmakers need the budget and recess funds to effectively represent their constituencies and address community needs.

He and his group are protesting the speaker’s alleged strong-arming, highlighting the lack of consensus, and raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Mawich emphasized the importance of recess for MPs to return to their constituencies and engage with constituents during Christmas and the New Year and said he is not aware of anyone among the lawmakers opposing the recess.

He highlighted the information gathering role of the recess, allowing MPs to bring community concerns back to the assembly upon reconvening in March.

“Our message as parliament to our community is that we need to have a peaceful Christmas. Let’s celebrate Christmas and New year in a peaceful manner to Unity State in General,” he told Sudans Post today.

“People cannot agree at one point, but what I know there are no people against the three months recess. If there are people against it, I am not aware of those people who say they are against three months recess,” he added.