The National Legislative Assembly Gate - courtesy

Some lawmakers have called for the release of political detainees and urged the Transitional Government of National Unity to prioritize dialogue and fully implement the 2018 peace deal.

The remarks were made during the presentation of the quarterly report by the peace monitoring body, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), at parliament yesterday.

Mary Nyirikir Lorjok of the SPLM, representing Fangak County in Jonglei State, welcomed the report, describing it as comprehensive and inclusive.

She stressed that a sustained ceasefire and continued dialogue remain central to achieving durable peace.

She called on the transitional government to release political detainees, pursue dialogue in good faith, and accelerate implementation of the revitalized peace deal.

Lorjok also reiterated the need for leaders to complete outstanding tasks, including the unification of forces.

“We must therefore speak with courage and provide clear direction. The call for dialogue and the release of detainees is clearly reflected in the report, and I believe they should be released so that meaningful dialogue can resume. Since their detention, we have not seen peace. The only viable option is to free them and allow our people to talk to one another,” said Nyirikir .

Another legislator, Festo Kumba from Western Equatoria State, supported the concerns raised, saying the issues highlighted in the report have captured parliament’s attention.

He argued that full implementation of the 2018 peace accord remains the only credible path toward a democratic and peaceful nation, warning that continued political turmoil will impede governance and disrupt state affairs.

“As pointed out by the honourablelady on the other side, she drew our attention to the importance of implementing this peace agreement. So, the peace, as we signed it in 2018, is a priority and it is surprising that it looks like we don’t have the political will to implement the peace when we listen to the reports of the committee and even of argument.

“Why are we not having the political will to implement this peace? It lets us so that we come back to peace in our country. What is going on? Right Honourable Speaker, I think National Assembly has the obligation to oblige the executive to implement the peace,” argued Kumba.

However, SPLM MP Daniel Abocha Ali challenged the calls for the release of detainees.

He argued that the arrest of individuals affiliated with certain political groups does not constitute a major violation of the peace agreement.

According to him, those detained face charges based on alleged criminal acts, and he called on the judiciary to expedite their cases to ensure swift and fair legal processes.

“Instead of calling for the release of those who have been detained, the committee should have called for the government to expedite the, the court process so that those who have committed crimes are tried i- instead of calling for their release. Why do you release somebody who has committed a crime?” Abocha Ali criticised.