Jonglei State Governor Maker Thiong Maal called on all parties to overcome their differences on the number of states, saying the deadlock shouldn’t impede the peace process.

Exiled opposition leader Riek Machar is in Juba for a three-day visit to hold talks with President Salva Kiir as both leaders seek to end the impasse over the number of states and their boundaries.

Speaking to reporters in the town of Bor on Monday after receiving visiting French diplomats, Governor Maker emphasized the need for a transitional unity government in February.

 “Let public opinion be assessed about 21, 10, 32 and 40 states. This issue should not be an obstacle to the peace process,” he stressed.

Maker pointed out that they are ready to implement the peace deal if a compromise over outstanding issues is made. “This area is very anxious to see into it that the implementation of the peace agreement is on time as planned because we are ready to receive the peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, France’s special envoy to South Sudan and Sudan Jean Michel urged the government and the opposition to form a coalition government in February.

“We wanted to see the peace situation here in Bor and Jonglei State, particularly as the governor said about peace and stability. France is attached to peace and stability in South Sudan and peace among the communities,” he said.

“We hope that all will be done in all actors so that an agreement is reached on the national unity government before the 20th February,” he added.

The French diplomat reiterated his country’s commitment to support peace and stability in South Sudan and follow through the implementation of the revitalized peace deal.

The visiting French official was accompanied by France ambassador to South Sudan Marc Trouyet and the UN head of Bor office Mrs Deborah Schein.

President Kiir and opposition leaders missed the November 12 deadline to form a unity government and agreed to give themselves another 100 days to form the government.

President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar and a handful of other groups signed the peace deal in September 2018. However the parties have failed to create a unified army and determine the number of states since the deal was signed.