By, Bosco Bush Taban
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has accepted to revert to the county’s former ten (10) States, in a bid to break the sticky issue of the number of States and their boundaries.
In a communiqué issued Saturday 15th February 2020 at the State House J1 by the Presidency namely; First Vice President Taban Deng Gai; Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga and President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The trio have agreed and “Resolved to return the country to 10 States and their previous respective counties; plus three (3) administrative areas namely; Abyei Administrative Area (AAA), Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).” The statement reads.
This latest development came after the parties to the agreement differed over the number of States and their boundaries that the country should have during the unity government.
On Friday, President Kiir held a high level consultative meeting with the leaders of the government’s institutions and their deputies to choose the viable number of States, but the meeting concluded without any positive outcome.
The communiqué further added some arrangements have been put in place to address concerns of those who may be affected by the changes.
It also further stated that the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has been directed to effectively legalize these changes.
“Decided to remain seized of the matter and hereby directs the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to effect these changes immediately” the communique’ added.
For his part, President Salva Kiir said that the compromise they made is one of the painful decisions he has ever made but added that he was left with no choice than to accept because South Sudanese needs peace.
“Comrades, ladies and gentlemen; the compromise we have made today, is one of the painful decisions I have ever made. But it’s necessary if that is what will bring back peace and preserve the unity of our people.
I have been fighting throughout my entire life for the liberation of this country and I will always tell the forces that have fought, not to destroy our hard won sovereignty.
I will accept to preside over the same country that I sacrifice to liberate.” Kirr said.
In his speech, the President also called on the international community and the region to recognise and avail necessary support for the success of the implementation of the peace agreement.
“I implore the international community particularly the UN, IGAD, AU, EU and the TROIKA to recognise the major compromise that we have just made today” Kiir added.
Kiir appealed for the implementation of the agreement both morally and materially.
President Salva said without the support and contribution of the International Community it will be difficult to meet the task of reviving the economy and set the country back on the path of development.