Juba-based rights group ‘concerned’ over delayed state gov’ts formation

JUBA – A South Sudan-based rights organization is calling on the parties to the revitalized peace agreement to immediately form the states and local governments, saying it is concerned over the prolonged delay in the states government formation.

The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) said in a statement extended to Sudans Post this afternoon that the delay in the formation of states and local governments “is a worrying and disturbing sign that all is not well, raising an eyebrow about the parties seriousness of returning the country back to sustainable peace, security, justice, development and the rule of law.”

South Sudan parties have been blaming each other over the delay in the states government formation, with SPLM-IO previously demanding certain conditions to be made before it can submit the list of its nominee.

That position has changed as of recent, with the main armed opposition group announcing in a press state on Friday that it would now submit the list of those nominated to the reconstituted parliament, states and local governments, for appointment.

“For a fully functioning Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to be realized, the peace agreement stipulates the appointment of Governor of the Upper Nile State, Speakers of State Legislatures, State Councils of Ministers and County Commissioners, something that has not happened until now,” the CPA statement said.

“The unnecessary delay in the formation of the states’ governments is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and a power vacuum. The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) regrets this delay and urges the parties to show some seriousness and commitment in resolving the states issue. The formation of the states’ governments is a pre-requisite to a stable R-TGoNU and a peaceful and secure South Sudan,” it added.

It further said that it is “sounding the alarm bell and urges the parties to expedite the formation of the state government and call on the peace guarantors to help bridge the gap where they have been deadlocked. The South Sudanese cannot wait any longer; delaying the formation is giving them a very bleak picture of the direction the parties to the agreement are taking them.

“The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) is therefore calling the international community to help pressurize the parties because the deadlock on the states issue is a sign of worse things yet to come.”