The 7th Governor’s Forum commenced on Tuesday in Juba, with President Salva Kiir issuing a warning to governors against deviating from the Constitution and the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
During the opening of the Forum, President Kiir addressed government officials and members of diplomatic missions in South Sudan’s capital, highlighting the issue of governors neglecting constitutional obligations.
He specifically mentioned instances where some governors fail to hold cabinet meetings and operate outside the legal framework, leading to conflicts between executives and state assemblies and causing instability in the states.
“I want to express my concerns about how some of you govern your state governments. I have reliable information that some of you are not adhering to the constitution and the law in your governance,” remarked Kiir.
“Some of you apparently do not hold cabinet meetings, leading to conflicts between the executive and state assemblies, causing instability in the states,” stated President Kiir.
In response to this issue, President Kiir directed all national institutions responsible for governance to establish mechanisms ensuring governors present their reports to the Council of Ministers. He emphasized the need for these mechanisms to align with constitutional requirements, setting minimum standards for the governance of states in South Sudan.
“In light of this concern, I will instruct the relevant governance institutions to develop mechanisms to ensure governors submit their reports to the National Council of Ministers for scrutiny, as mandated by the constitution. This will establish minimum standards for state governance in South Sudan,” revealed President Kiir.
Additionally, President Kiir urged governors to adhere to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCISS) to prevent conflicts in the states and foster a peaceful environment.
“Some of you are not implementing the agreement for the resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan as intended, causing disputes between the parties,” stated Kiir.
He emphasized that no governor has the right to dismiss or suspend anyone from a position solely based on political affiliation. President Kiir urged collaboration among colleagues, emphasizing the importance of working together despite political differences.
Furthermore, Kiir directed the High-Level Committee for the Resolution of Conflict in the Country to formulate resolutions for resolving disputes among government officials, particularly governors.
Held under the theme “Fostering National Cohesion: South Sudan’s Path to Peaceful Transition for Democratic Governance,” the 7th Governors’ Forum aims to evaluate the outcomes of last year’s 6th Forum resolutions. Additionally, it will provide a comprehensive report and assessment of the challenges encountered by the states and three administrative areas.
