This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Published on December 11, 2019, by Aggrey Mutambo, a seasoned journalist with a keen eye for detail.
South Sudan's government has been under fire for ignoring advice on the number of states, a move that could undermine fragile peace and unity in the country.
According to sources, the South Sudan Independent Boundaries Commission, a body comprising experts from across the continent, had warned that increasing the number of states beyond 21 could lead to risks and divisions among communities.
However, the government has stuck to its guns, maintaining either 32 or more states in the country, despite the warnings.
One of the key recommendations made by the Commission was to revert to the original 10 states created before discussing any potential increase.
“There was a strong voice that said there was relative peace and harmony amongst all the South Sudanese communities when they lived under 10 states. They believe that the increase to 28 and 32 states without any public consultations had divided them into tribes,” the Commission indicated in June.
As the country struggles to maintain peace, President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar have failed to agree on key issues, including state boundaries.
With the clock ticking, there are fears that the current extension could lapse, and the situation could deteriorate further.
Dr. Machar was expected to hold meetings with President Kiir on Monday in Juba, but the outcome remains uncertain.
