By Aguok Chok

Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel has called on the country’s lawmakers to serve the people with purpose, discipline, and distinction by ensuring that the legislative process is robust, responsive, and centered on the daily needs of citizens.

Speaking during a meeting with the Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in Juba, Dr. Bol Mel underscored the importance of translating national aspirations into clear laws and practical reforms that directly impact the lives of South Sudanese.

“The time has come for us to rise to the call of duty – to serve with purpose, discipline, and distinction in fulfilling our mandate to the people of South Sudan,” the Vice President said.

He emphasized that the strength of the nation lies in how effectively laws are designed to respond to the realities of citizens, ranging from governance and justice to economic growth and national cohesion. “We need a more robust and responsive legislative process, one that translates national aspirations into clear laws and practical reforms that touch the daily lives of citizens,” the Vice President explained.

Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba welcomed the Vice President’s remarks, noting that the Assembly is already engaged in efforts to strengthen reforms and ensure that laws remain people-centered. “Our priority is to safeguard rights, foster development, and advance the well-being of all South Sudanese,” she said.

The Speaker further assured that the Assembly remains committed to fulfilling its legislative role with integrity and transparency. She highlighted that lawmakers were working to align reforms with the needs of communities across the country while upholding the values of peace, unity, and inclusivity.

Dr. Bol Mel also reminded the Speaker of the powerful message delivered by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit last month when he officially reopened the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. The President had urged lawmakers to recognize their role not only as custodians of the law but also as builders of peace, unity, and prosperity.

“When the Executive and Legislature work hand in hand, our country can achieve remarkable progress,” Dr. Bol Mel reiterated. “From stronger governance and justice to economic growth and national cohesion, unity of purpose between these two arms of government is critical for the future of South Sudan.”

The meeting between the Vice President and the Speaker came at a time when the Assembly faces growing expectations from the public to deliver on pressing national priorities. These include reforms in governance, security, service delivery, and economic management.

Observers say the Vice President’s message carries significant weight, as it ties legislative responsibility directly to the aspirations of ordinary citizens. His call for purpose-driven service underscores a broader national vision of building a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous South Sudan through effective lawmaking and cooperative governance.

As Dr. Bol Mel and Speaker Kumba concluded their deliberations, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to work together in ensuring that the Assembly remains a driver of reforms and a guardian of the people’s trust.