Malicious Propaganda, says Speaker Kumba in response to allegations
According to the office of the speaker, the allegations, raised in various letters, claimed that there is tension between her and the President, and also implicated her in the atrocities in Tombura County
By Emmanuel Mandella
The Office of the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has strongly refuted allegations labeled against Rt. Hon. Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba. In a press statement issued on Friday, and extended to The City Review on Sunday, the Speaker’s office described the accusations as baseless, politically motivated, and aimed at undermining her leadership and South Sudan’s collective journey towards peace and reconciliation.
“It has come to the attention of the office of Rt Hon. Speaker, with much dismay, that some very serious allegations have been callously labelled against the Rt Hon. Speaker recently, specifically, in an open letter addressed to the President of the Republic of South Sudan, dated 9th December 2024 by unknown individual,” the statement read in part.
According to the office of the speaker, the allegations, raised in various letters, claimed that there is tension between the Speaker and President Kiir, and implicate Hon. Kumba in atrocities in Tombura County, further blaming her for the country’s economic challenges.
However, the Speaker’s office has categorically dismissed these claims, labeling them as “deliberate character assassination.”
“These baseless accusations are nothing more than a calculated effort to tarnish the Rt. Hon. Speaker’s reputation and disrupt the unity of our nation. The Speaker’s commitment to peace, justice, and inclusivity remains unwavering,” noted Adut Jwokgwen Y. Ayik, the Press Secretary to the Speaker, in a statement extended to this publication.
Responding to the allegations connecting the speaker to the Tombura Crisis, the statement noted that these claims are part of a political witch-hunt, and that the Speaker Jemma has consistently condemned the violence in Tombura and called for government intervention to restore peace.
“It is disheartening to see sensitive crises exploited to advance personal vendettas, rather than fostering unity. Such falsehoods perpetuate division and discord within our communities,” the statement read.
According to the press statement, the Speaker’s leadership faced criticism from Hon. Boutros Magaya, who alleged she was responsible for South Sudan’s economic woes. The Speaker’s office discredited these accusations terming them as “void of logic and sense,” and attributed them to personal grievances.
“Hon. Boutros’ anger towards the Speaker is well known and continues to manifest in baseless fabrications,” the statement asserted.
While, addressing concerns over a three-month parliamentary recess and South Sudan’s absence from the East African Inter-Parliamentary Games, the Speaker’s office clarified that these decisions were guided by economic constraints and consultations with the executive branch.
“Speaker Jemma Nunu has been instrumental in strengthening regional diplomacy within the East African Community,” the statement affirmed, dismissing claims that she canceled the MPs’ participation in the games.
Meanwhile, in a Call for Unity and Constructive Dialogue, the Speaker called on all leaders and citizens to rise above divisive narratives and focus on building a united and peaceful South Sudan.
“To those spreading malicious propaganda, I urge an immediate cessation of such actions. Our mission is to heal wounds, address the root causes of conflict, and ensure a future of stability for all South Sudanese.”
The Speaker reiterated her commitment to fostering reconciliation and supporting peacebuilding efforts in regions like Tambura.
Additionally, she called for investigations into the underlying causes of the tribal tensions in Western Equatoria State and appealed for justice for those affected.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the people of Tombura during this difficult time. Let us work together to restore harmony and create a future of hope for all,” the Speaker said.
“The history of Western Equatoria has been categorically peaceful, with all ethnic groups living harmoniously, with intermarriages and trade occurring until recent years. The shift that has occurred in those recent years, kickstarting what has now grown into a full scale tribal anarchical state must be thoroughly investigated and those found responsibly must be brought to book and those offended, appeased,” the speaker added.
“To those spreading malicious propaganda, I urge an immediate cessation of such actions. Our mission is to heal wounds, address the root causes of conflict, and ensure a future of stability for all South Sudanese,” TNLA Speaker, Jemma Nunu Kumba.
