Rt.Hon

Earlier today, I held a meeting with H.E. Endre Stiansen, the Norwegian Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, where we discussed the ongoing implementation of the peace agreement.

In respect to the work of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, I briefed him that Parliament has successfully passed all the key pieces of legislation required under the peace agreement and continues to deliberate on other important bills and laws to support the peace process.

Despite the various challenges our country continues to face, the Government of South Sudan remains firmly committed to the peace agreement. We believe that dialogue remains the only path through which lasting peace and stability can be achieved and maintained in our nation.

I also took the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate Norway’s longstanding support to the people of South Sudan — from the days of our struggle to the present — and its continued partnership in our journey toward peace and development.

I had the pleasure of giving remarks at a workshop organised in collaboration with the TNLA's Standing Specialised Committee on Gender and Child Welfare, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and Plan International, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme “Ending Child Marriage and Unions in South Sudan.”

The workshop brought together young girls from all 10 states and the 3 administrative areas — each of them an inspiration and a testament to the resilience and potential of South Sudan’s daughters.

I encouraged them to focus on their education and to continue advocating for it in their communities. Their government stands with them — and in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, we will continue to push this advocacy through our bills and laws.

At the national level, H.E. the President has shown the same commitment through the 35% quota for women in leadership, which has been effectively implemented in the TNLA. Together, we will continue working to create a South Sudan where every girl can learn, lead, and thrive.

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of receiving a courtesy visit from the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, accompanied by the Undersecretary of Health, Hon. Kennedy Ganiko.

Our discussion focused on the important work the Ministry of Health is doing to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country. We also discussed several health-related bills that will soon be reaching Parliament, including the Nursing and Midwifery Bill and the Health Insurance Bill.

The conversation further touched on the national health budget and the importance of increasing investment in this vital sector. I reiterated the Transitional National Legislative Assembly’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Executive to ensure that the people of South Sudan receive the best possible health services.