Louise Lobong, the governor of Eastern Equatoria, has come out openly in favor of federalism, saying it is the call of the people of his state, while officials in Warrap State have opposed the proposal.
In recent media reports the governor is quoted as saying, “Equatorians want federalism and not we as governors because we are elected leaders. We are representing them.”
“We tell out what the people are saying and we will continue advocating for it.”
Lobong attempted to dissociate the idea from rebel leader Riek Machar, however, who also endorsed federalism. The governor claimed that the rebel chief had earlier opposed federalism.
“It could be a way of buying time and just deceiving people, but good if they accept it. We will table it and put in the constitution. Neither Machar nor Kiir can decree this issue and put into the constitution,” said Lobong.
Meanwhile, Paul Dhel Gum, the Warrap State information minister, announced opposition to the idea of a federal system in a speech at the University of Bahr el Ghazal over the weekend.
Gurtong news reported that Gum said those calling for federalism are calling for the disintegration of the country. He cautioned that South Sudan is not like other countries that have adopted federal systems of government.
“Let us open dialogue at all public places to determine what outcomes the federal system of governance would bring to us the people of this country,” said Gum.
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