Deng Deng Akuei, governor of Aweil East State, has issued an order upgrading the status of Wanyjok town to a municipality and appointing a town mayor and a deputy.

The governor, according to the order announced Thursday but dated 22 March, 2016, appointed Teresa Abak Piol as the mayor of the town and Mawien Mawien Kuol as the deputy.

The new officials are expecting to take oath of office after the end of Easter holiday. They are also expected to prepare for the establishment of the town council, including drafting necessary rules and regulations to govern the town and the operation of the local business activities in the area.

Aweil East State is one of 28 states created by President Salva Kiir by decree but challenged as unconstitutional by a coalition of opposition parties.

Monitors of the peace agreement have called the creation of the 28 states a “violation” of the peace agreement. Salva Kiir says the 28 states are the demand of the people.

File photo: Aweil East County Headquarters (Radio Tamazuj)