UK envoy disappointed by parliament dissolution before budget, MPs’ vehicles

 Outgoing United Kingdom Ambassador to South Sudan David Ashley has said he is disappointed that parliament was dissolved before passing the 2026–2027 national budget and over the reported allocation of vehicles to outgoing lawmakers.

Ashley made the remarks during his farewell press conference in Juba on Thursday as he prepares to leave the country.

He said parliament has a fundamental responsibility to scrutinize and approve the national budget before its dissolution.

 “I must admit I was disappointed that the Parliament was dissolved before the budget was passed. The fundamental role of parliament is to scrutinize and approve the budget.”

Ashley said parliament also has an important role in holding the government accountable, particularly through elected representatives who are answerable to their constituencies.

“So, parliament play important role, hopefully if there’s a election and member of parliament are elected then, they will be complied by their constituencies, by their voters to ask the difficult question,” he said.

Ashley also expressed concern over the reported government plan to provide vehicles to members of the outgoing parliament.

Last month, the Speaker announced that President Salva Kiir would provide 924 vehicles to members of parliament following the passage of the amended National Elections Act.

Ashley said the reported allocation could cost about 85 million US dollars, describing the expenditure as particularly concerning given South Sudan’s development needs.

He said the government had also pledged 10 million US dollars to the World Bank-led Health Systems Transformation Project, which supports about 85 percent of functioning health facilities in the country, but had yet to provide the promised funding.

“So that was made it even more disappointing when that evening, Monday evening of last week, we heard that the government had pledged to provide 900 vehicles for members of parliament for the outgoing parliament, which we understand would cost $85 million,” Ashley said.

“And South Sudan has a young population has as many of you are part of uh Half of the population is under 18. Something like 72% is under the age of 30.

“So, South Sudan can genuinely benefit from that young population, but it needs to invest. Needs to invest in the health, in the education, and in the opportunities for the children and youth of this country.”

Ashley urged the government to prioritise investment in health, education and opportunities for young people, saying South Sudan’s youthful population could contribute significantly to the country’s development if adequately supported.

His comments come as South Sudan prepares for elections and a new phase of political transition.