Issues of key concern in Upper Nile State, including rising insecurity, were discussed at a political parties roundtable held by UNMIS in collaboration with various agencies in Malakal on 22 July.

Attended by six political parties in the state, the workshop was organized in conjunction with the Upper Nile State Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and UN Development Programme through the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Officially opened by the Upper Nile Governor Brig. Gen. Simon Kun Puoch, accompanied by State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Tabisa Gwang Agwok, the workshop also focused on enhancing relationships and collaboration between political parties.

Stressing the importance of a vibrant opposition to keep the government on its toes, Governor Puoch said he welcomed debate and constructive criticism. "Political parties' rights should be respected. They should be allowed to express themselves and their opinions."

State Minister Agwok committed her ministry to good parliamentary practices and promoting multi-party democracy in the state. She called on all parties, including opposition and smaller parties, to consult her office on issues affecting their activities in the state.

The six political parties attending included the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), National Congress Party, Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change, United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF), UDSF-Movement and United Sudanese African Party (USAP).

During the workshop, political party representatives noted the insecurity had increased in the state. Ongoing disarmament in Fashoda County conducted by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), they stated, was characterized by rapes, detention and house-burning.

Delegates also emphasized that political parties should treat the SPLA and SPLM differently, as one was an army and the other a political party. Focusing on underdevelopment in the state, they highlighted poor roads, hospitals and schools as well as lack of transparency, accountability and high levels of corruption.

Concerns were also raised about unbalanced representation in state leadership positions. "This meeting is very positive because we raised the issue about gender balance in the leadership," said UDSF representative Mary Nyawech Put.

A newly appointed legislative assembly member, Ms. Put is one of 12 women sitting in the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly.