South Sudan Youth Parliamentary Move
South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly has inaugurated a Young Parliamentary Caucus, signalling fresh commitment to policy making driven by citizens under 40.
Office Order No.4, signed by Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba on 20 August 2025, formally seats the 15-member bloc and aligns domestic rules with recent Inter-Parliamentary Union resolutions on youth participation.
Inclusive Leadership Chart
Hon. Daniel Abocha Ali of the SPLM chairs the caucus, assisted by Hon. Stephen Bol Ley of SPLM-IO.
Portfolios span finance, foreign affairs, information, climate change, gender and youth, reflecting an effort to match legislation with the demographic realities of a country where two-thirds of citizens are below 30.
Mandate and Strategic Goals
The caucus will scrutinise bills, draft policy briefs and liaise with ministries to ensure youth perspectives inform education funding, job creation, peacebuilding and digital innovation.
According to the Secretariat, quarterly outreach sessions are planned in all ten states to translate parliamentary debates into community-level action.
Regional and International Echoes
Kenya, Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire established similar forums over the past decade, and analysts note a continental trend toward institutional youth voice.
IPU Youth Programme Officer Maria Gonzalez observes, ‘South Sudan’s model mirrors best practices we have documented in emerging democracies’.
Domestic Reception and Outlook
Civil society networks, including the Anataban Arts Initiative, welcome the step but urge the caucus to press for timely budget releases.
Speaker Kumba remains optimistic, stating, ‘Empowering young legislators is an investment in stability and accountable governance’.
What Comes Next
The caucus is drafting its first action plan, expected to be tabled before the Assembly’s November session, with benchmarks on employment and climate resilience.
If implemented, observers believe the initiative could translate youthful energy into legislative substance, reinforcing the peace process and economic recovery.