(BENGHAZI, LIBYA) – A group of South Sudanese lawmakers has arrived in Benghazi, Libya, to take part in a major gathering of parliamentarians from Africa and Asia. The delegation landed on Saturday ahead of the Second General Conference of the Asian African Parliamentary Council, which opens on June 15 and runs through June 16, 2026.
The South Sudanese team is led by MP Majur Babur Ajal and MP Caguar Adong Manyang. They are attending the conference on behalf of the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Their presence places South Sudan among the nations participating in discussions that aim to shape future relations between the two continents.
The conference is being hosted by the Libyan House of Representatives. The central theme of the meeting is “The Future Vision of African-Asian Relations.” Organisers have brought together parliamentary leaders, lawmakers and international observers for two days of talks. The agenda covers cooperation, diplomacy and regional development.
One of the main aims of the gathering is to promote inter parliamentary diplomacy. Participants will also explore ways to strengthen economic partnerships and encourage greater collaboration between countries in Africa and Asia.
These discussions are especially relevant for South Sudan, a young nation seeking to expand its trade and investment ties beyond its immediate neighbours. While the direct financial cost of sending a delegation to such a conference is not publicly detailed, official parliamentary travel for a small team to North Africa typically requires several thousand US dollars in flights, accommodation and allowances. At the current market rate of approximately 5,800 South Sudanese Pounds to one US dollar in June 2026, such expenditure represents a notable allocation from the legislative budget.
Key items on the conference agenda include sustainable development, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and responses to shared socio economic challenges. The opportunity to learn from the experiences of longer established parliaments in both Africa and Asia is a significant aspect of the visit.