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IGAD expresses concern over S. Sudan decision to create 28 states

Xinhua, February 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Africa (IGAD) on Monday expressed concern over South Sudan government's decision of re-dividing the country into 28 states.

"The IGAD is concerned by the recent decision of the government of South Sudan to implement the Oct. 2, 2015 Presidential Decree on the creation of 28 new states," the IGAD said in a communique.

"However, this should not delay the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity," it noted.

In October 2015, South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a decision to re-divide the country into 28 states instead of the current 10.

However, the major South Sudan's rebel group, led by former vice-president Riek Machar, rejected Kiir's decision, saying it was a violation of the peace deal signed by South Sudan's warring parties last year.

In August last year, the South Sudanese rivals signed a peace deal under the patronage of the IGAD to end the violence in the new-born country.

The signed deal grants the current government a legislation majority, the presidency and 53 percent of the ministerial portfolios.

South Sudan was plunged into violence in December 2013 when fighting erupted between troops loyal to President Kiir and defectors led by his former deputy Riek Machar.

The conflict soon turned into an all-out war, with the violence taking on an ethnic dimension.

The clashes have killed thousands of South Sudanese and forced around 1.9 million to flee their homes. Endit