The three new 'governors' of the states in Warrap that President Salva Kiir claims to have created by decree – Gogrial, Twic and Tonj – have come to Juba for their inauguration and pledged to work together in order to unite their people and promote development activities.

Akec Tong Aleu, the new governor of 'Tonj State' – one of 28 states Kiir announced in place of the 28 constitutionally established states – said Monday he has arrived Juba where he met and held talks with the newly appointed state 'governors' for Gogrial and Twic states, his new counterparts.

“The creation of more states was not to divide people. It is to take services and governments close to the people so that they do not have to travel long distances if they have issues which they want to bring to the attention of the state authorities, particularly the governor of the area,” explained Akec.

Akec said he received assurances of commitments from his colleagues that they will exert efforts within their capacities to unite the people, work for reconciliation and ensure peaceful coexistence along boundaries.

“I told my colleagues that unless we work together and unless our people set aside their differences and work together, making tangible progress in terms of security and development will always remain a challenge for us,” he said.

Akec added: “We need to recognize that the current state of affairs in the country is having a terrible impact” on development. When communities are at war with each other and with the government, there will not be development, he said.

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