Breaking: Kiir finally accept 10 states

February 15, 2020 Breaking News

President Salva Kiir Mayardit signs (Photo: File)

February 15, 2020 (SSNN)—South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has finally announced the country’s revert to 10 states, however with exception of three administrative areas namely Ruweng, Abyei Administrative Area and Boma.

The government’s final position was officially announced this morning by the Office of the President following an emergency meeting held at the State House by senior government officials.

The issue of the number of states and their boundaries has been a stumbling block, hampering the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.

The official statement issued by the Presidency

The President Final Resolution of the Meeting of the Presidency on the Number of States and their Boundaries.

The Presidency of the Republic of South Sudan held a meeting on the 14th February 2020 in State House (J1), under the leadership of H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan to deliberate on the sticky issue of the number of States and Boundaries in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the way forward.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Taban Deng Gai, First Vice President of the Republic; H.E. Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of the Republic. After a thorough deliberation on the subject matter and in the interest of peace and stability in the country, the Presidency:
1. Appreciated the people of South Sudan for their unwavering support and for having stood firm with the government throughout the conflict despite the hardships brought upon them by the war
2. Resolved to return the country to ten (10) States and their previous respective counties; plus three (3) administrative Areas namely;
Abyel Administrative Area (AAA),
Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA)
Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA);

Recognized that this decision may not have been the best option for our pcople but for the sake of peace and unity in the country, the Presidency sees it necessary;

4. The Presidency has taken note of the popular decision of the people of the Republic of South Sudan on the Number and Boundaries of the 32 states plus. However, in the interest of peace, stability and the unity of our country, decided to defer the matter to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) during the implementation period;

5. The Presidency has taken note of those who will be affected by these changes and therefore some arrangements have been put in place to address their concerns; 6. Decided to remain seized of the matter and hereby directs the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to effect these legal changes immediately.

Last week, the Troika countries (the United States and the United Kingdom and Norway) called on the Parties to demonstrate political will to end the impasse over the number of states and their boundaries.