South Sudan’s Kiir criticised for not appointing female governor

December 28, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s leader, Salva Kiir has been criticised for violating the constitution by not appointing females among the 28 new state governors.

The head of the opposition People’s Liberal Party (PLP), Peter Mayen Majongdit said the president violated a constitutional provision that grants 25% of all public offices to women by only appointing males, urging women leaders and activists to speak out.

“The selection [of state governors] does not guarantee the constitutional provisions of 25% allocated by both the [transititional] constitution [of South Sudan, 2011] and the ruling party SPLM constitution for female representation in all level of government,” said Majongdit in a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune Monday.

The outspoken opposition leader called on South Sudan’s ruling party secretary general Jemma Nunu Kumba and other SPLM women caucus members as well as female lawmakers to “voice for the rights of woman and ensured that the party constitution is respected by guaranteeing female representation in the new created states.”

“Women must speak for themselves. I know the country has female cadres and leaders that can manage some states,” stressed the PLP leader.

Last week, President Kiir appointed governors for the 28 new states he created in October after expanding the country from 10. The move was, however, viewed a setback to the peace deal signed with the armed opposition in August based on the 10 states.

The national alliance of 18 opposition political parties condemned the appointment of state governors, which they described as a violation of the accord to end the conflict.

Majongdit said the government and the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) , should respect the role of women in peace building when appointing ministers early next month.

(ST)