SPLM former detainees reject 28 state

January 1, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s ruling SPLM party seniors members detained at the onset of conflict in 2013 “are disappointed by President Salva Kiir to proceed with the implementation” of 28 states.

The Former Political Detainees (FDs), who also described themselves SPLM leaders, said in a press statement the appointment of governors and subsequent swearing them into office is a severe blow the return of peace to the country.

“We call upon all the patriotic sons and daughters of South Sudan as individuals and groups to do what is within their power to bring press[ure] for full and unconditional implementation of ARCISS (Agreement to Resolve Conflict in the South Sudan) in order to bring this senseless conflict that is tearing apart the national fabric of South Sudan to an end,” reads the press statement extended to Sudan Tribune Friday.

“We appeal to President Kiir to honour his commitment made and reaffirmed time and again in many for and in his public statements, to implement the ARCISS fully and in good faith,” said the statement, signed by Deng Alor, the former cabinet affairs minister.

President Kiir issued an establishment order in October for creation of 28 states and abolishing 10 states. The parliament amended the transitional constitution 2011 in November to give the president the powers to appoint governors and deleted ten states that defined South Sudan’s territory.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, Kiir appointed 28 state governors and conducted a swearing ceremony early this week.

The armed opposition led by former Vice-President Riek Machar, who is also the First Vice-President designated, has rejected the move and called on Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) – the body entrusted to monitor August peace implementation, to intervene.

Also, the former detainees requested JMEC chairperson, former Botswana President Festur Mogae to “ensure that the parties are fully committed to the implementation of ARCISS and the integrity of the process.”

They further pointed that the creation of the 28 states affects the ongoing efforts to end war and bring peace in the country.

“By appointing governors for the 28 states decreed Provisional Order contrary to stipulations of the constitutional and contravention of ARCISS, a severe, though not necessarily mortal blow, was dealt to the process of return of our country to peace,” further said the FDs, who returned to Juba in November.

(ST)