EASTERN EQUATORIA – Earlier this year, all signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement coalesced on a roadmap designed to push forward implementation of outstanding peace benchmarks in South Sudan.

Following this welcome development, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is redoubling its efforts to galvanize the ongoing peace process so that free, fair and credible elections take place on time.  

A recent example:100 members of parliament from the Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly participated in a capacity building workshop in Torit.

The workshop’s focus was to strengthen understanding of parliamentary procedures.

“I found the interaction useful,” said Margret William Apari, a participant.  “We now have a clear understanding of our roles and responsibilities as parliamentarians, especially when it comes to standardizing assembly procedures,” she added.

The refresher course was jointly organized by UNMISS and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance confidence of lawmakers as they work towards ushering in a sustained peace across the state.

Sessions delved into topics such as privileges and immunities, and independence of the various arms and levels of government.

“This initiative has inspired us as lawmakers; I am hopeful the next sitting will have additional reach within the parliamentary system,” revealed Visor Likale Olum, a legislation and legal affairs parliamentarian.

Participants were enthusiastic about proactively using the tools offered by the workshop to create direct synergies between constituents and the parliament on critical issues affecting citizens.

“It is now our turn to create partnerships between parliamentarians and the people we serve so that we can effectively fulfill their needs," said Betty Hope Awor, Deputy Speaker, Eastern Equatoria State Assembly.

“I am optimistic that increased cooperation among members of the state legislative assembly will have the added benefit of sensitizing communities on the need for enduring peace,” she continued.

For her part, Caroline Waudo, Head of the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Eastern Equatoria, the parliament plays a seminal role in peacebuilding and should be fully prepared to lead on oversight responsibilities.

“The parliament must enact legislation to address critical issues, provide effective representation to develop their communities, and ensure that there is successful implementation of the peace agreement,” she stated. “As your partners, the UN family stands ready to assist in this endeavor.”