Disagreements over next vice-president delays new government in Juba
July 25, 2013 (JUBA) – Deep divisions over who should be the next vice-president of South Sudan has delayed the formation of the next cabinet and left a power vacuum since the dissolution of the entire government on Tuesday.
Government ministries have been closed since Wednesday as staff decided against returning to work amid fears of violence.
President Kiir had directed the under-secretaries to take charge in their respective ministries under the secretary-general of the government, Abdoun Agau, who will run the government until the next cabinet is formed.
There have been rumours that the president has been outside the capital since reportedly leaving on Tuesday evening, but a former official dismissed the claims, it saying the president had been in his residence in Juba making consultations on the formation of the next government.
Sources close to the presidency, however, said there have been deep internal disagreements since Tuesday between close aides of the president over the choice of the next vice-president should Machar not be reinstated.
He said President Kiir had promised the position of vice-president to a number of colleagues.
“Now that it is time to implement the promises to different colleagues, things have become difficult, particularly that others have now turned down the offer”, the source disclosed.
Among the possible candidates is the current speaker of the parliament, James Wani Igga, former head of the National Congress Party (NCP) in South Sudan Riek Gai Kok, former minister of Justice John Luk Jok and the current chief of general staff, James Hoth Mai.
While Igga is reportedly willing to the take over the seat of vice-president, Jok and Mai were said to have turned down the offer.
Kok is also rumoured to have changed his mind in the last 48 hours, also turning down the offer to take over the position.
Many in the consultative meetings also rejected Igga as the next vice-president, accusing him of weakness and lack of seriousness as a leader.
Under normal circumstances, the president should first appoint his deputy who will in turn consult with him on the formation of the cabinet.
It is reported that many people have been waiting for the appointment of the vice-president or formation of the new government before they express their reactions.
INTERNATIONAL CALLS
Meanwhile, the African Union Commission, Canada, the intergovernmental Authority on Development, along with Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States issued a joint statement, calling on all parties to maintain calm and prevent violence, as well as urging leaders in the country to expedite the formation of a new cabinet.
“We encourage South Sudan to do so in a manner that reflects the diversity of the South Sudanese people and in conformity with its transitional constitution and the democratic ideals the new country has espoused”, the statement said.
State department spokesperson, Jen Psaki also issued a statement, calling on all the parties to maintain calm and prevent violence.
He also urged that the new cabinet be formed “quickly and transparently”.
(ST)