August 26, 2024 JUBA CITY – On Monday, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) barred journalists, parliamentary attendants, and the public from attending the session, stating that it was exclusive to the legislators.
The agenda for the day focused on twelve ministers in the economic cluster who were summoned to provide insight into the struggling economy and widespread hunger across the country.
The ministers summoned included those responsible for finance and economic planning, petroleum, mining, agriculture, and food security, among others.
However, Oliver Mori Benjamin, the parliamentary spokesperson, explained during a morning press conference that the session would be held in camera, restricting attendance to lawmakers alone.
“The Conduct of Business Regulations state that there can be a sitting in camera. So, when there is a sitting in camera, it means only Members of Parliament can attend,” he clarified. “No spectators, no journalists. This is a special session. So, when you report for your newspapers, inform them that I have no news to share today because the parliament session is in camera.”
Recent legislation allowed the public to attend parliamentary sessions. When questioned about the sudden change, Mori insisted that closed-door sessions were constitutionally permissible. He assured journalists that they would be briefed on the outcomes of the ministers’ interactions with the legislators.
Ter Manyang, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a civil society organization, expressed confusion about the decision to exclude journalists from Monday’s session, particularly since it concerned the economy.
“Firstly, if it involves the public, I don’t understand why parliament won’t allow journalists to disseminate information because everyone is aware of the economic crisis,” he remarked. Manyang believed that any discussion about the economy should be made public. “If it relates to the economy, I don’t see a problem unless they have another agenda.”
However, the activist argued that summoning ministers periodically no longer offered a solution to the country’s crises.
“Everyone is aware of the economic crisis in the country. There is no reason why they should not allow you guys (journalists) in,” Manyang asserted. “But then again, this isn’t the first time they have summoned ministers, including the Minister of Finance.”
According to Manyang, the country’s top leadership, including President Salva Kiir, should address the nation’s economic struggles because some individuals who feel untouchable are contributing to its destruction.
