Officials in Central Equatoria have welcomed plans to sub-divide the state into more counties while insisting that additional measures be taken to further decentralize power, including the adoption of a federal system throughout South Sudan. 

In interviews, officials insisted that multiple counties should be added to the state, which presumably would require additional funds for upgrading of payam headquarters into county seats as well as appointment of new county-level executives.

This comes after President Salva Kiir on 2 June endorsed the creation of new counties in the state – a concession to Governor Clement Wani, who had been demanding not only new counties but also opposing the president on the question of federalism.

Central Equatoria State Minister of Information Soba Samuel says that the creation of new counties in the state has been the demand of the people for more than four years. He also stresses that Central Equatoria supports a federal system that will to allow government services to be closer to the people.

“This creation of the counties is actually part of this,” he explained.

Governor Clement Wani has been joined by the governors of Eastern and Western Equatoria in calling for a federal system of governance in the country – a demand shared by the armed opposition faction SPLM-IO – putting the three southern governors at odds with top national officials.  

The system that they envision would give state governors and state legislatures more independence from national authorities. At stake is the separation of powers between national and state authorities on matters such as appointment of state and local executives, management of locally collected tax revenues, local security operations, and local services.  

According to Soba, the current centralized system of governance results in delays and dysfunctions caused by problems at the higher levels. For instance, when there is a delay in salary payments, the people will always look to the center to solve the problem.

“But when you divide your powers and give every person a portion to look after his affairs, then we will only commonly adhere to one specific rule at the center [i.e., a standard] and people will become responsible,” Soba added.

More counties demanded

State officials have already begun planning creation of the new counties. The State Ministry of Physical Infrastructure is in charge of the plan, though local officials at county and boma levels are also meant to be involved in consultations on the issue.

Jackson Abugo Gama, Political Advisor to the Governor of Central Equatoria State, said that the communities of the state in fact want more than ten counties; currently the state is sub-divided into six counties, namely Juba County, Lainya, Morobo, Terekeka, Kajo-Keji and Yei County. 

In an interview at the state secretariat, he said that communities in Juba County alone have called for four new counties: Lokiriri, Liria, Lobonok and Northern Bari-Raja.

The advisor noted that also Kajo-Keji County called for upgrading to counties Nyepo and Mangaloti in Liwolo Payam, while people in Lainya County called for two counties, Lainya and Kopera Payam.

In Yei County, the community of Toree called for two counties, Lasu and Mugo payams, while people in Terkeka County called for two, Tali Payam and Terekeka itself.

But the political advisor cautioned that a number of considerations were involved including “populations, economic viability, and capacity in terms of manpower.” He pointed out that the oil shutdown in January 2012 had hindered plans to add more counties nationwide, because of the associated administrative costs.

However, Abugo disclosed that initial planning maps have already been made. He explained that after deliberation and approval of the plans by the national parliament, it will be the role of the state government to demarcate the county borders, aiming for an effective sub-division of populations, education facilities, health facilities and other infrastructure.

‘Decentralization to the people’

Stephen Wani Michael, Commissioner of Juba County, told Radio Tamazuj that he thinks the initiative of creating a new counties in the state will not affect negatively the existing county governments but rather will help address their problems.

“The issue of the counties has been the demand of the people of Central Equatoria State, especially Juba County. Juba has been the oldest district that has not been decentralized and which has only 16 payams,” he said.

He expected that demarcation of new counties will improve service delivery to the people. He said, “If people are talking of county, it is a kind of decentralization to the people so that they can manage themselves.”

For her part, Hon. Margret Peter Abudi, a member of parliament representing Terekeka County, welcomed the initiative of the governor saying it will help address some issues in her county.

She said the county government in Terekeka has been unable to extend services to some remote areas, such as her hometown. She suggested the government to create two counties in Terkeka to increase social services.  

“We also know that the new creation may affect us in term of manpower, but South Sudan is blessed with a lot of resources which I think can support us. The creation of the new counties is a good initiative, because we have been demanding that for a long time,” she added.

Najuwa Juma, a former MP in the national legislative assembly from Kajo-Keji County, said she expects demarcation of new counties will improve education services at the grassroots.

The demarcation of new counties is aimed at easing political tensions in the state, according to a speech by President Kiir. He said in a speech before parliament earlier this month, “The Council of States [the upper house of parliament] has to approve and demarcate the new counties in greater Juba district as recommended by the governor of Central Equatoria State.”

“And these are things to be done as soon as possible, Your Excellencies, so that we don’t wait for any rebellion demanding for a county or whatever.” 

Photo: Jackson Abugo Gama, Political Advisor to the Governor of Central Equatoria State

Gallery 1: Najwa Juma, former MP in National Legislature representing Kajo Keji, CES

Gallery 2: Margret Peter Abudi, MP representing Terekeka County, CES

Gallery 3: Stephen Wani Michael, Commissioner of Juba County, CES

Gallery 4: Soba Samuel, CES Minister of Information