JUBA – South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir and SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar have asked more time in which they would try to resolve the number and boundaries of states, a presidential envoy said on Wednesday.
The two men have told South African vice president David Mabuza that he should consult with other opposition groups over the matter before the two main principals take the final decision on the issue which has threatened to fail the already fragile peace deal they signed last year.
Kiir and Machar have told Mabuza to first seek the views of South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) leaders as well as other opposition parties in the country before coming to a final decision.
Determining the number of states and their boundaries is among the tasks that are meant to be completed within the pre-transitional period.
Addressing the press after the meeting of the two leaders, the chairperson of the National Pre-Transitional Committee, Tut Gatluak said a final report is being prepared before a decision on the number of States is made.
“Concerning the file of the number of the states and the boundaries, the consultation is ongoing and the parties have already committed to resolve the matter,” Mr. Gatluak said. “Right now the committees are working closely to address this issue and after the final report from all the parties, the two principals will meet again and make a final decision on the matter.
There are currently 32 States decreed by President Kiir, and the Abyei administrative area but the revitalized peace agreement demands that the parties agree on a compromise.
Several meetings have been held in the past between Kiir and Machar over the security arrangements, formation of a unity government and now on the number of States.
“The deputy President of South Africa, is spearheading this file and we decided to give him more time for further consultation with all the parties to the revitalized peace agreement because this issue of the states involves all the parties to the agreement and I’m sure we will reach to an agreement,” Gatluak added.
The international community and activists have urged the two leaders to ensure all pre-interim provisions are completed before the establishment of the government next month.
There are less than 40 days left before a coalition government is formed.
Two leaders must know what is the right of the citizens because people have super alot since 2013 up to date.