A large numbers of citizens from El Fula in the western sector of South Kordofan say they have reached consensus on the importance of the restoration of the state of West Kordofan which was merged with South Kordofan under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005.

This issue is sensitive due to tribal and factional issues in the area, however several residents told Radio Tamazuj from El Fula yesterday that the restoration of West Kordofan state has become necessary.

One of the area’s leaders, Mahmoud Shimela said that senor figures in the area conducted a symposium in El Fula early this week. “They agreed that restoration of the state is a right recognised by the President of the Republic, his Vice President as well as the Governor. It was supposed to be declared in July 2012,” said Shimela, describing the restoration as “the dowry for peace”.

Shimel emphasised that the patronage and development plan for Kadugli announced last year by South Kordofan Governor Ahmed Haroun “is a great achievement,” however, he pointed out that the Governor’s plans concentrate on Kadugli, and this does not detract from their determination to have the state of West Kordofan restored.

“Then, the appointment of a Governor will be in our hands,” Shimela concluded.

Related coverage:

Haroun promises to return West Kordofan state (18 March 2012)