The Transitional Council of States is the upper house of the National Legislature of South Sudan. It was established in 2011 by the interim constitution of South Sudan 2011.[1]

Composition

Before 2021, the Council of States comprised all South Sudanese who were members of the Council of States of Sudan; and twenty representatives appointed by the President of South Sudan. The Council of States was dissolved in May 2021,[2] and a transitional council was reconstituted comprising 100 members appointed by Salva Kiir.[3]

Speakers of the Council of States

Name Took office Left office Notes
Joseph Bol Chan 5 August 2011 May 2021 [4]
Deng Deng Akon 2 August 2021 Incumbent [5]

Role

The Council of States exercises the following functions:[6]

  • initiating legislation on the decentralized system of government and other issues of interest to the states and passing such legislation with two-thirds majority of all representatives;
  • issuing resolutions and directives to guide all levels of government;
  • overseeing national reconstruction, development and equitable service delivery in the states;
  • monitoring the repatriation, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons, and reconstruction of disaster and conflict affected areas;
  • requesting statements from Governors and national Ministers concerned regarding effective implementation of the decentralized system and devolution of powers and any other issues related to the states;
  • legislating for the promotion of a culture of peace, reconciliation and communal harmony among all the people of the states;
  • approving changes in state names, capitals and boundaries; and
  • performing any other function as determined by the Interim Constitution or the law.

References

  1. ^ Dogga, Morris. "Council of States nominate new Deputy Speaker". Juba Monitor. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
  2. ^ "South Sudan: President Kiir Reconstitutes Council of States". PAN AFRICAN VISIONS. 4 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Who are the newly-appointed 100 members of the Council of States – Full list". Sudans Post. 4 July 2021.
  4. ^ "IPU PARLINE database: SOUTH SUDAN (Al-Watani), General information". archive.ipu.org.
  5. ^ "South Sudanese Lawmakers Sworn into Office". 2 August 2021.
  6. ^ Art. 59 of the Interim Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan