Mayol Kur, governor of the newly established Ruweng state has called on his community to not take the creation of the state from former Unity State as a replacement to peaceful coexistence with their neigbouring communities from which the administration of the area has been detached.

Mayol said in an interview on Saturday that one of his priorities will be to work closely with his colleagues in neigbouring states, specifically the governor of Northern Liech state, Joseph Nguen Monytuil and General Chol Thon Balok, governor of Eastern Nile as well as the governor western Nile state and authorities in Sudan.

“The creation of more states has generated concerns from other communities especially communities in Upper Nile region. Some people have been quick to express fears that some communities would encroach on the land belonging to other communities and to occupy it.”

“I say no because this is not the purpose of the creation of more states. The objective as it was clearly stated in the order is to take services close to the people. It will not replace peaceful coexistence between communities,” said Mayol.

He denied that the objective of carving out the Dinka-inhabited areas in Parieng and Abiemnom and making them into a separate a state from the otherwise predominantly Nuer Unity State was to run away from what many natives described as “hostile and unfriendly neighbours.”

Critics of the creation of more states have questioned whether grouping ethnic groups in their own states could increase hostilities between the various communities.

“The creation of more states will not change the geography of the area. It will not increase the landmass of the area. It is just for administrative purpose to extend services close to people,” said Mayol.

File photo: Cattle herders in Unity State