The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bahr al Ghazal has called for open discussion of federalism, the topic that has put governors of several states at odds with Salva Kiir, leader of the SPLM/A-Juba faction.

Samson Wasara, the head of the university, during an interview with Voice of Hope in Wau on Wednesday called for open discussions on federalism to avoid confusion.

He said that conferences and forums should be organized to allow people to understand different governance systems and decide what system most suits their interest.

Dr Wasara argued that federalism varies in nature from one country to the other. He called on the government to open discussion on the issue, saying stopping debates would only add more problems.

The chancellor said civil society and academicians should organize public workshops and conferences about governance systems so that citizens learn different aspects of federalism and decide on the type of governance system they want.

Meanwhile, it is claimed by the governor of Central Equatoria that the president has considered removing the governor of Western Bahr al Ghazal, though the latter has earlier been considered a close ally of the president.

RIzig Zacharia, the governor of the state, earlier this year came into conflict with the state assembly, which impeached his finance minister, prompting the national government to intervene. However, during that incident the national cabinet minister backed Rizig, not the state parliament.  

Speaking in Juba yesterday, Governor Clement Wani Konga stated that not only the three Equatoria governor but also the WBEG governor were slated for removal: “In regards to the removal of the three – four governors – three from Equatoria and one from Western Bahr al Ghazal – it’s a given thing. And we told the President of the Republic that we elected you, and we were elected by the people.”

“And we want you to continue to finish your term, until next year. If there is an interim government the interim government should be next year because we were elected officially by the people.”

Konga added, “If there is no insecurity he has no powers to remove me, or Joseph Bakosoro, or Louis, or Rizig Zacharia.”

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