The SPLM/A (IO) is being presented by our detractors and the enemies of peace as hypocrites following our denunciation of (the timing of) president kiir’s decision to create 28 states. The SPLM/A (IO) have indeed championed the cause of federalism and proposed the creation of 21 federal states during the IGAD plus led mediation in Addis Ababa. The SPLM/A (IO); however, proposed this in the hope that all the stakeholders (including the Salva Kiir Administration) would have an opportunity to discuss (the proposal) through an inclusive process.
The unilateral decision by President Salva Kiir to create 28 states is not only unconstitutional, but also filthy politics. The objectives of this unilateral decision is to arouse tribal sentiments in the people of South Sudan, so that there can be a return of war. This would effectively cause the collapse of the IGAD Plus Agreement signed by the people of South Sudan on 17/08/2015 and by the Salva Kiir Administration on 26/08/2015.
The rancorous nature of this decision is demonstrated by the subversion of the legislative processes which the Minister of Information (of the Salva Kiir Administration) deemed as unnecessary in his statements. The fact that the Administration of Salva Salva Kiir has issued this order without consulting the people through their representatives (at the various state Assemblies and at the national level) should be further proof to the people of South Sudan that the Administration of Salva Kiir has usurped their power.
The SPLM/A (IO) calls on its members and to the people of South Sudan in general to remain composed in the face of this provocation. The focus of all peace loving people on all sides of the political divide should be on the implementation of the recently signed IGAD Agreement. This is just another attempt by (some elements in) the Salva Kiir Administration to derail peace agreement.
The SPLM/A (IO) calls on our partners in peace to reconsider this risky decision and return to the honest and unconditional implementation of the peace agreement. This is only thing that can bring our Republic back from the abyss.
Mabior Garang de Mabior, National Chairperson for Information and public Relations SPLM/A (IO)