Yei Civil Society Activist Welcomes Plan to Re-Open Legislative Council

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A civil society leader in South Sudan’s Yei River County has welcomed the county executive council’s decision to re-open the legislative council after more than a year of inactivity.

During an executive council meeting chaired by the County Commissioner last Thursday, members reviewed plans to reactivate the Legislative Council, including the swearing-in of councilors.

Officials said the move is expected to improve representation, strengthen oversight, and promote transparent decision-making at the local level.

The Commissioner emphasized that an active legislative body is vital for accountability and improved service delivery, in line with South Sudan’s broader national governance reforms.

Reacting to the announcement, Modi Arkangelo, head of the Civil Society Forum in Yei, told Access Radio that the move marks a new beginning for the effective functioning of the three arms of local government.

“As civil society, we have not been seeing the work of the legislative council, yet it plays a very important check-and-balance role and develops resolutions to address challenges affecting the people. Re-opening the council is a very positive step because it will spearhead development,” Modi said.

Modi added that the Civil Society Forum is ready to support the council through capacity-building initiatives to ensure effective governance.

“Where there are identified gaps, we have organizations working on governance matters, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, and finance. We are ready to collaborate with the council to identify these issues and provide training. We have capable people on the ground prepared to offer programs to the legislative councilors,” he said.

Yei River County has been operating without a legislative council for over a year.