Kiir, Machar to convene conference of Upper Nile communities in Juba over Olony – presidency

JUBA – South Sudan presidency said in a statement on Wednesday that a general conference of the Upper Nile state communities will be convened in Juba to deliberate on the appointment of the governor of the oil-rich state.

The statement comes following a meeting at the statehouse J1 attended by President Kiir, his first deputy, Dr. Riek Machar, vice-president Taban, Vice-president James Wani Igga, vice-president Hussein Abdelbaggi and Vice-president Rebecca Garang de Mabior.

“Today Wednesday the 9th December, 2020, H.E the President Salve Kiir Mayardit convened the fourth meeting of the Presidency, which was attended by the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and Vice Presidents Dr. James Wani Igga, Hussein Abdall-Bagi Akol, Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior in the Office of the President,” the statement signed by presidential affairs minister Nhial Deng Nhial reads in part.

“The Presidency of South Sudan objective of the meeting was to discuss the establishment of the State and Local Governments of the Republic of South Sudan,” it added.

The statement further said the meeting resolved that the president “appoint the State and Local Governments of the nine (9) States, except that of Upper Nile State [and the] president proceeds to establish the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States.”

“That the Revitalized Transitional Government of National holds a conference in Juba for all the Communities of Upper Nile State to discuss ways and means of resolving any tribal or communal differences and to engender harmony in the State prior to a final decision on the appoint of the Governor of the State.”