15 States Suggestion Overrides IGAD-Plus
By Peter Mapuor Makur – Nairobi, Kenya
August 11, 2015 (SSB) — I do not think anybody in South Sudan is against re-division, as long as we know it’s a premeditated step and is not nakedly political. Although dividing a country into smaller states is nothing but some times a political drama for cheap electoral gains, it also brings some advantages to the people.
Practically, managing and governing smaller states would be more efficient than governing larger states. South Sudan’s ten states were actually put together on the agreement similar to matrimonial relations, which have a provision for divorce. Remember, my suggestion for re-division is not based on emotional sentiments for I clearly know that division of states in bad faith hurts the motto of Unity in Diversity.
All thoughts of regionalism, tribalism and sectarianism are a deterrent to a united South Sudan and they have to be stemmed out by making decisions out of love and in the spirit of progress and nationhood. That is why my suggestion for states’ re-division calls for a thorough evaluation of physical features like natural and human resource availability, socio-cultural factors, land quality and topography, agro-climatic conditions, density of population, means of communication, existing administrative culture and effectiveness of its state and regional administrative units and many more. After every South Sudanese citizen whether being analysts, journalists and politicians have scrutinized the idea, each will find boldness in their right nerves and sense to say that our country indeed needs 15 states for an effective and efficient governance. The suggested states are as follows:
1) Central Equatoria State – Juba
2) Central Upper Nile state – Malakal (Shuluk Kingdom + Ngok Lual Yak + TuicAtar + Paweny + Thoi)
3) Eastern Equatoria state – Torit
4) Jonglei state – Bor (Bor North + Bor South)
5) Lakes state – Ramciel Yirol East + Yirol West + Awerial + Tali + Mbolo)
6) Lou State – Akobo (Pangak + Ayod + Wat + Akobo + Bukteng)
7) Nasir state – Nasir (Nasir + Ulang + Maiwut + Pagak)
8) Northern Bhar el Ghazal state – Aweil
9) Northern Upper Nile state – Renk / Malut (Renk + Malut + Akoka + Mabaan)
10) Northern Warrap state – Kuajok (Gogrial + Biemnhom + Panriang + Abiei)
11) Rumbek State – Rumbek (Rumbek North + Rumbek Centre + Rumbek East + Wulu and Cueibet counties)
12) Unity State – Bentiu (Mayom – Panyjar – Leer – Mayendit)
13) Warrap state – Tonj (Tonj North + Tonj East + Tonj South)
14) Western Bhar el Ghazal State – Wau (Wau + Raga)
15) Western Esquatoria state – Yambio
But, how does making a separate state make citizens’ lives any easier or the governance better? Let’s debate on this topic dear reader– Is re-division of States good for South Sudan more than the contested IGAD Compromise Proposal for peace?
Before you utter yes, no or shout at the author, consider the standing reasons in favor of re-division. First, more targeted governance, looking at the bigger picture; every smaller state will have its own leaders. This means that a government, who had to formulate policies for a larger number of people, will now have to do the same for a smaller number.
Secondly, the nearness of the capital city, it is a fact known to many that a capital city is where people of the state go to air their grievances as all major government offices, judicial institutions like state high courts and political quarters are housed there. A new state would more often than not, mean a closer capital city and thus provide relief to the people. This cannot be said about larger states like Lakes. For example, if a citizen of Yali Payam in Yirol East county were to be heard in any of the states’ courts, he has to travel over 100 Km to Rumbek, spending large amounts of money in an attempt to get justice. Therefore, reduced distances between the state capital and peripheral areas would improve the quality of governance and administrative responsiveness and accountability.
Thirdly, proper utilization of central funds, in a larger state, the problem is that the allocation of funds by the Centre can never be evenly distributed. So some parts stand to lose and thus remain backwardly developed, while the part which holds maximum political affiliate gains. Dividing states definitely solves this problem.
Without boring you with an unending list of positive reasons, increased growth rate, better living and insecurity prevention are a part. If I were talking with you while sitting face to face dear reader, I would have loved to hear your additional points that favor re-division of states in South Sudan.
Dear reader, should this idea be adopted sooner, each state’s inhabitants will be fully responsible for their state security according to the decentralization policy, as organized forces remain based in the state to be overseen by the national army. Each state of non-conflicting occupants shall have full security control over their state resources. The mismatch of boundaries and communities done in most states stand a reason for random inter-communal conflicts intensifying across the country. Hence, in that respect, most communities’ turn to shift blames on the failure of governance in particular political units. However, all these divisions of states I am suggesting to you are for governing purposes alone… Always stay warm and call me “The Cleverfool” if you wish.
Peter Mapuor can be reached via mapuorcheatdeath1@yahoo.com
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