S. Sudan president approves creation of 13 counties in Yei

August 21, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir, has approved creation of up to 13 counties in the newly established Yei state after unilaterally expanding the number of administrative units to 28 from the constitutionally recognized 10 states.

Governor of Yei River state, David Moses Lokonga, in fulfilment of a presidential directive permitting creation of more administrative units in the area, issued a gubernatorial order establishing 13 counties.

The order divided up the former four counties and increased their number to 13.

Kajo-Keji county in the new arrangement is divided into two counties with one county called Nyepo and another retaining the name of Kajo-Keji with its administrative headquarters in Kajo-keji town.

The decree retained Lainya county with administrative headquarters in Lainya; Yei county with headquarters in Yei. The rest of the counties include Kupera, Morobo, Lujulo, Tore, Otogo, Liwolo, Kangapo, Mukaya and Mugwo.

Consultations with the communities to nominate the names of the people they would like to be appointed as the new commissioners are underway.

Yei River state is located south of the national capital, Juba.

(ST)