‘For the sake of peace and unity, we accept return to 10 states’ – Presidency

February 15, 2020 Newsbeat

President Salva Kiir Mayardit during summit of the recent IGAD Heads of state and government (Photo: File)

February 15, 2020 (SSNN)—On Saturday, the South Sudanese presidency said that for the sake of peace and unity, a decision has been taken to return the country to its previous ten states plus three administrative areas, namely;

Abyel Administrative Area,
Ruweng Administrative Area,
Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

“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 Presidency announced.

“After a thorough deliberation on the subject matter and in the interest of peace and stability in the country, 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.”

The Presidency noted that although the decision may go against the aspirations of the population, however, for the sake of peace and unity, the Presidency decided to take the risk of accepting the IGAD Council of Ministers’ proposal.

“The Presidency, recognized that this decision may not have been the best option for our people but for the sake of peace and unity in the country, the Presidency sees it necessary.”

The government acknowledged that a number of people will be affected by the latest changes, but noted that arrangements have been made to address their concerns.

“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.”