The Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Jemma Nunu Kumba, has urged members of parliament to adopt a mindset of love and forgiveness as the new year begins, following her return from leave.

She extended a warm welcome to the recently appointed lawmakers from both the SPLM and SPLM-IO factions, delivering remarks focused on fostering peace, love, forgiveness, and national reconciliation.

During Wednesday’s ordinary session, Speaker Kumba praised her deputies for effectively leading the assembly in her absence and encouraged them, along with all MPs, to maintain that positive momentum.

“Welcome to this ordinary third sitting of 2026. I am delighted to see everyone here in the new year. This marks my first time presiding over a session in 2026,” she stated. “I wish you all a happy, prosperous new year filled with good health and positive energy. I am grateful to my deputies for steering parliament while I was away.”

Kumba returned emphasizing a renewed commitment to hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and she called on her colleagues to cultivate the same atmosphere of mutual love and understanding.

She stressed that forgiveness represents the essential way forward for the nation’s leaders and the legislative body.

“I am convinced that no challenge is insurmountable when we unite in dedication, unity, and a shared purpose for our country and its people—we can surmount any obstacle,” the speaker declared.

She voiced optimism for enhanced collaboration between the various branches of government and state institutions to resolve remaining issues tied to the peace agreement.

In closing, she highlighted parliament’s vital responsibility in advancing the peace deal’s implementation and in working to enhance the well-being of South Sudanese citizens.