South Sudan draws “redline” on first VP proposal
February 13, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan government has reiterated it will never relent to proposals to remove the incumbent vice-president, James Wani Igga, saying the move would be unconstitutional.
He said Igga’s post was not his as an individual, but for the constituency he represents in government.
“Because of that we said he cannot vacate it to reward others. We clearly stated that it is a no crossing line. It is a red line. We have compromised a lot,” said Lomuro.
“It is time the others compromise. Peace and stability cannot be achieved at the expense of others,” he added.
Presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny also expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposal made by IGAD, demanding that the current vice-president be replaced by rebel leader Riek Machar.
“The vice-president, James Wani Igga, is a valued and trusted member of the government of South Sudan. The constitution outlines his role and authority as vice-president and we believe that it is crucial to uphold our constitution. You cannot ignore that we are in the midst of a complicated process of negotiation for a sustainable peace”, Ateny said in a statement obtained by Sudan Tribune.
The presidential aide said the proposal on table includes a first and second vice presidency position, and in dispute was the status of each post.
“We struggle with the notion that power can be achieved through violence. We also struggle with political gain at the expense of the people of South Sudan who have endured unnecessary bloodshed and insecurity in the past year,” explained Ateny.
“And yet we continue to discuss and weigh every proposal as we understand that only through compromise will we be able to reach a full and lasting peace, a peace all the people of South Sudan deserve,” he added.
Earlier this month, South Sudan’s warring parties signed an agreement in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. It proposes that Kiir remains as president, while Machar will take up will take up his former position as vice-president, replacing Igga.
According to the new power ratios, the South Sudanese government will take up 53%, the SPLM-factions 33%, while other political parties will share the remaining slots.
The parliament will now be expanded to 548 members and shall be dissolved and reconstituted according to the power ratios.
This means the government will comprise 290 members, while the breakaway SPLM factions and other political parties will make up 181 and 77 members respectively.
(ST)