Kiir, Machar agree on states, partially lift COVID-19 lockdown

South Sudan opposition leader Riek Machar (L) speaks to reporters in Juba on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 (PPU)

JUBA– South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar have today agreed on the allocation of states which has been a sticky issue since the formation of the revitalized unity government, the presidency said in a statement.

The two men during a meeting which was also attended by the rest of the vice presidents also resolved to easy the coronavirus lockdown extending the curfew time to almost midnight.

Based on the agreement seen by Sudans Post, Kiir’s side will take six states which includes Unity, Central Equatoria, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal, Eastern Equatoria and Warrap and Lakes.

Machar’s SPLM-IO will get states of Jonglei, Western Bahr el-Ghazal and Western Equatoria.

SSOA will take the remaining state which is Upper Nile.

On the reduction of the coronavirus lockdown, the presidency said curfew will now start “at 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. effective Friday, 8th May 2020.

“Restaurants and Bars will re-open during the non-curfew hours, but should strictly observe social distancing.

“Shops and Stores will re-open, but the sellers and buyers should observe social distancing and allow a maximum of at least five persons in a shop or store at a time.

“Boda Boda and Rickshaws transport will resume with only one passenger on a boda boda and two passengers for Rickshaws. However, both rider and passengers must wear masks.

“Internal travels by means of land, water and air shall resume soon. The High Level Taskforce on COVID-19 shall communicate details thereof.

“Regional flights and Road Transport shall resume, but details shall be communicated by the High Level Taskforce on COVID-19.”