SPLM-IO ready for formation of state governments – Machar

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, who is also the First Vice President is saying that his group is ready for the long-awaited formation of state governments which he said would boost efforts to maintain security at the states level.

The main armed opposition group had earlier last month said it won’t accept state governments formation before President Salva Kiir appoint General Johnson Olony who the group nominated on June 24, but was not appointed by Kiir when he appointed state governors on June 29.

“I am pleased to announce to you that the SPLM/SPLA-IO has completed its consultation and is ready from the end of this conference to form the nine state government and counties,” said the leader of SPLM-IO, Dr. Riek Machar Teny during the  6TH SPLM/SPLA-IO Nation Conference in Juba on Tuesday.

The First Vice President said the delay in formation of local and state government has led to lapse in service delivery and break down of law and order.

“The political and administrative vacuum in the states caused by delays in agreeing on the allocation, and application of responsibility sharing at the state and local government levels, has led to lapse in service delivery, and breakdown of law and order,” Machar said.