Akol welcomes Kiir’s compromise on states, but concerned over inclusion of Ruweng

February 15, 2020 Newsbeat

President Salva Kiir Mayardit and government officials including opposition leader Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin during a state dinner organized by the office of the President (Photo: File)

February 15, 2020 (SSNN)—National Democratic Movement (NDM), an opposition faction headed by prominent opposition leader Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin has congratulated the Presidency for accepting the IGAD Council of Ministers’ proposal on the number of states.

“On the Government’s consultation in Juba on the issue of the number of States in South Sudan. We note the decision taken by President Slava Kiir in that respect, declaring that the administration of the country shall revert to the previous ten States plus three administrative areas, We consider the decision as a giant step forward in the resolution of the issue and we wholeheartedly welcome the spirit of compromise shown by the President on the matter.”

However, the opposition group is concerned that the newly added administrative area will spark another incident that could be a recipe for disaster.

“However, we consider the inclusion of a new administrative area in the decision to be unfortunate as it raises the same concerns occasioned by the previous 32 States. This matter needs to be ironed out quickly so that we leave the issue of the States behind us once and for all. NMD believes that the decision of the government has made the prospects of forming the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU) on time very much closer than any time before,” said Lam Akol Ajawin, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement.

“We need to move with speed on the following matters, among others, so that the RTGONU is formed:

1- Settling the issue of the administrative area of Ruweng:

2- Restructuring and reconstituting the Council of States; 3- Ensuring that the Necessary Unified Forces have been trained and are ready for deployment;

4- The Constitutional Amendment Bill prepared by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) to be adopted by the Transitional National Legislature;

5- The security-related Bills prepared by the NCAC are to be adopted by the Transitional National Legislature;

6- The Parties to the Agreement, pursuant to Article 1.12.1 of the Agreement and under the supervision of RJMEC, carry on the selection of the Ministries of the RTGONU;

7- The Parties to submit the nominations of their members to the National Legislature to the NCAC.”

The NDM is optimistic that the step taken by the government will add new impetus to progress of the implementation of the peace agreement.

“We hope that the momentum that has now been generated by the bold decision of the Government to move positively on the issue of the number of States will propel the Parties into settling the above matters so that the RTGONU is formed on time. Once more we thank all friends of South Sudan who helped us move forward in order to usher in peace in our country.”