Dr. Bol Mel Voices Support for Special Presidential Programmes

(JUBA – Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting national development and legislative effectiveness in South Sudan. During a series of meetings this month, he received Adut Salva Kiir, new Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes, in a courtesy visit to discuss the implementation of special programs initiated by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The Vice President congratulated Adut on her appointment, describing it as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to appointing capable and compassionate leaders to manage critical national priorities.

Discussions focused on what the Vice President’s office called the swift and effective rollout of initiatives designed to strengthen livelihoods, improve public services and create new opportunities for the people of South Sudan.

The vice president pledged full collaboration from the Economic Cluster, which he chairs, and called on other government clusters to support the Senior Presidential Envoy’s mandate:

“The people of South Sudan are encouraged to give their full support to Hon. Adut. Her distinguished record in humanitarian and community service positions her to successfully implement these national programmes.”

He noted that under her leadership, the President’s vision would be translated into practical actions that reach every household.

In a related engagement last week, Dr. Bol Mel met with Rt. Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba, on 19 August 2025, to discuss critical national priorities and the role of the legislature in nation building. The Vice President urged lawmakers to serve with purpose, discipline and distinction in fulfilling their mandate to the people of South Sudan.

Dr. Bol Mel emphasized the need for a more responsive legislative process that turns national aspirations into clear laws and reforms affecting the daily lives of citizens.

He reminded the Speaker of the message delivered by the President last month during the reopening of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly: that lawmakers are custodians of the law and builders of peace, unity and prosperity.

Speaker Kumba revealed ongoing efforts to “make legislation more people centered, focusing on reforms that protect rights, foster development and advance the well being of South Sudanese citizens”.

The Vice President said that when the Executive and Legislature collaborate closely, the country “can achieve significant progress”, including stronger governance, justice, economic growth and national cohesion.