South Sudanese President Salva Kiir today endorsed the creation of a new county in Central Equatoria State, within the Juba area.

The demarcation of the county will have political ramifications mostly because of the executive appointments and local budget allocations that will need to be made after the formation of the county government.

Speaking before the national parliament today, Kiir said first that he requests the Council of States – the upper chamber of the parliament – to approve and demarcate counties for Greater Pibor, a special region created by the agreement with the SSDM-Cobra Faction. 

He continued saying, “In this connection also, the Council of States has to approve and demarcate the new counties in greater Juba district as recommended by the governor of Central Equatoria State.” 

How exactly the existing Juba County would be divided, or whether lands from other adjoining counties would also be added to the territory of the new proposed county is not yet clear.

“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,” he added.

File photo: Governor Clement Wani (left) and President Salva Kiir (right)