South Sudanese cabinet approves creation of 28 states

October 13, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan cabinet approved the expansion of states from 10 to 28 during Tuesday’s extraordinary meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir.

The country’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said the president’s decree on creation of new states would soon be tabled before lawmakers.

“The council of ministers applauded the decision of the president and directed the minister of justice to table an amendment bill before parliament,” said Makuei.

President Kiir, in his decree read on the state owned SSTV on 2 October, explained that his unexpected decision came in response to demands of the South Sudanese. The move was, however, described by the armed opposition leadership as being unconstitutional and a violation of peace agreement both parties signed in August.

Last week, both the Troika countries and the East African regional bloc (IGAD) called on the South Sudanese leader to revoke his decision on creation of new states.

“The amendment bill will be presented to parliament as soon as possible,” said Makuei.

South Sudanese lawmakers who are currently on recess have been recalled at the request of the of the president to amend article 162 of the country’s Transitional Constitution that defines the young nation as a territory composed of 10 states.

(ST)