Kiir urges to form inclusive state governments

By Ngor Arol Garang

June 14, 2010 (AGOK) – The president of the semi-autonomous Government of Southern Sudan has, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has called on the state governors to form inclusive governments in their respective states.

In a series of meetings he held with individual state governors who were consulting his presidential advice on the formation of the upcoming cabinets, Kiir called for necessity to form inclusive governments in all states to create peaceful and stable political environment.

Two states of Eastern and Central Equatoria have however already formed their cabinets. Central Equatoria state governor, Clement Wani Konga became the first to form his cabinet few days after he was sworn in following declaration of the elections result in his favor by the national elections commission. He was followed by Louis Lobong of Eastern Equatoria state.

The other remaining eight states have delayed formation of their governments as they were seeking more consultations with leadership of their political parties and local populations.

President Kiir over the weekend held respective meetings with four state governors of Western Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Warrap and Western Equatoria states.

“You can go ahead and form your governments in accordance with the provision of the interim constitutions, but remember that these governments should be inclusive to represent all political constituencies in your states,” said President Kiir.

He also called on state governors to spearhead reconciliation and organization of peace conferences to clear differences created by elections.

“It is your duties as governors to embark on reconciliation initiatives toward building peace and stability with other political players, local populations and their supporters,” he added.

A senior presidential aide who prefers to remain anonymous added that president Kiir has called on state governors to sensitize local populations on the need to get prepared for the upcoming referendum.

“You are aware that previous events particularly census and elections were conducted with insufficiency in time and inadequacy of resources. These events serve as an example to prepare for referendum,” said Kiir.

The presidential aide called for maintenance of peace and unity amongst local political leaders in the region, stressing that it is too early to start fighting each other over political interest. “It is too early to start fighting each other now because we have not yet finished mission and the reason why we twice opted for war to bring peace in the south against the central government. ”

“There is no reason to resort to violence. Let’s guard our peace and unity carefully. There is no need to fight over politics of interest in the middle of the struggle,” said the official.

(ST)