Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...
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South Sudan to Resume Cabinet Meetings After Eight-Month Hiatus ‎

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‎Juba, October 7, 2025 

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South Sudan is preparing to restart its suspended cabinet meetings next week, bringing an end to an eight-month suspension that has stalled key governmental functions. 

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Reason for the Halt and the Explanation

‎According to Martin Elia Lomuro, the Cabinet Affairs Minister, the pause was due to renovations in the main cabinet chamber as the government transitioned toward an “electronic cabinet” model. 

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He denied that the stoppage was linked to political tensions surrounding the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar. 

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‎Lomuro said that even if the main hall is not yet ready, ministers will convene in a temporary venue within government premises to resume business. 

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‎Consequences of the Delay

‎The Council of Ministers, South Sudan’s top executive body, last met in March 2025, and its regular Friday sessions traditionally chaired by President Salva Kiir or Machar have been on hold since. 

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‎One major fallout: the 2025/2026 national budget remains unapproved, leaving the government to operate without a formal spending framework. 

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‎Governance experts and observers had raised serious alarms about institutional paralysis and weakening executive oversight. 

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‎Commitment to Elections & Peace Agreement Deadlines

‎At a session of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Lomuro reiterated the government’s commitment to holding general elections, as required by the 2018 peace agreement. 

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‎He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including:

  • ‎Absence of a permanent constitution
  • ‎Pending issues with census data
  • ‎Questions around electoral management

‎Lomuro noted that the government is consulting the United Nations to navigate these hurdles, and that provisions critical to elections will receive close attention even if some are unmet. 

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‎He emphasized the urgency: “We must end the transitional period smoothly as the president declared that he would not take this country back to war.” 

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‎What to Watch

‎Indicators; Why It Matters

  • ‎First resumed cabinet meeting: Signals reactivation of executive functions
  • ‎Location of meeting: Will they use main chamber or interim hall?
  • ‎Budget approval status: Restores fiscal legitimacy
  • ‎Clarity on election timeline: Critical to South Sudan’s peace transition
  • ‎Progress on constitutional & census work: Foundational for credible elections

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