15 MP Deaths in One Year as Health Access Eludes Even National Leaders

(JUBA) – At least fifteen Members of Parliament in South Sudan have died within the past year due to a lack of timely medical treatment, according to the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba.

Speaking at the reopening of the Assembly on Wednesday, 16 July, Speaker Nunu described the loss as disheartening. She revealed that since April 2024, fifteen lawmakers had died from medical conditions that could not be treated due to lack of access to healthcare support.

“Honourable Members with medical conditions were unable to receive treatment. I appeal to the Ministry of Finance to prioritise medical funds for Members of Parliament,” she said.

South Sudan’s ongoing economic crisis has severely affected government institutions, including the national legislature. Prolonged delays in salary payments and benefits for public servants and lawmakers have further limited access to essential services, including healthcare.

The House Speaker stressed that medical allowances must be given immediate attention. She said the Assembly cannot function effectively if lawmakers are continuously exposed to preventable risks due to lack of care.

“This is a human issue. We need to support our members in accessing medical treatment,” she added.

The country’s economic challenges have been felt across all sectors, with inflation and currency depreciation affecting both urban and rural households.

President Salva Kiir has reportedly directed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel to make the welfare of government employees, including their salaries and health benefits, a national priority. However, implementation has been slow in the middle of wider fiscal constraints.

Although MPs are among the highest ranking public officials, their inability to access proper care underlines the severity of the national health crisis.

The deaths of elected representatives could also disrupt legislative work and national policymaking, particularly in a transitional government tasked with navigating peace and reform.