South Sudan official calls for political solutions to boundaries dispute

JUBA, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Tuesday urged parties to the September 2018 peace deal to seek a political solution to disputes related to demarcation of boundaries for the country's states.

Martin Lomoro Elia, cabinet affairs minister said the Pre-Transitional National Committee is making progress towards an amicable settlement of disputes revolving around geographical size and autonomy of the states.

"We are going to divide these states, among ourselves as parties and there are states that will be run by the opposition parties and there are states that will be ruled by the incumbent government," said Lomoro.

He spoke at an Intergovernmental Authority on Development consultative meeting where he reiterated Juba's commitment to end civil strife and chart a new beginning.

"So what we are trying to do is to have a temporary solution to form the government and assign a permanent body that will study the issue of boundaries and number of states and then submit to permanent constitutional making process as stipulated under chapter six of the agreement," said Lomoro.

"We should give the people of South Sudan the right to decide whether they want a federal system of government and the number of states," he added.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar in November agreed to delay the formation of a unity government by 100 days pending a solution to contentious issues like integration of rebels in the national army.

South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir sacked his deputy Machar leading to fighting between soldiers loyal to both leaders.

The conflict has so far claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions both internally and externally.

A peace deal signed in 2015 collapsed after the outbreak of renewed violence in July 2016 forcing Machar to flee the capital, Juba.

As part of the peace deal, Machar with four others is expected to be reinstated as the first vice president in the unity government that is expected to be formed early next year.