S. Sudanese opposition parties back creation of new states
October 12, 2015 (JUBA) – At least 10 South Sudanese opposition parties allied to the President Salva Kiir have supported the expansion of states from the current 10 to 28.
“The parties concluded that the people of South Sudan yearn for power closer to them in their midst or at least in the vicinity of their rural areas,” he told reporters Monday.
The parties met in Juba Saturday to draft a position paper on the decision taken by the president on 2 October. The establishment order number 36 was read by the president himself. The figuration of states was largely based on ethnicity, according to analysts.
According to the South Sudanese cabinet affairs minister, the continuous mass jubilation of the population both at home and abroad depicts the popularity of the president’s order.
“Unfortunately, they [opponents of the order] concentrated on the provisions of article 162 in total isolation of the power of the president to initiate constitutional amendment and legislation as provided for in article 101,” said the minister, in reference to the series of condemnations locally, regionally and internationally in the wake of the president’s decree.
“They engage in power politics with agenda to oppose the government in all and sundry to make a political point,” he added.
Lomuro, who became critical of the peace talks before the final peace agreement was signed, in late August, criticised mediators from Inter-governmental Authority on Development and the Troika nations for interfering in South Sudan’s internal affairs.
“We call upon them to respect the sovereignty of South Sudan, the feelings of its people and the pride of its citizens for having earned independence after five decades of bloody war gratifyingly with support of these organizations and countries,” he said.
However, the national opposition alliance, which is an umbrella of opposition parties not allied to government, said Kiir’s decree was unconstitutional and violates the peace accord.
(ST)