The chairman of SPLM-DC says he will not take part in the ongoing discussions on implementation of the peace agreement unless the government invalidates the 28 states.  

According to the timetable of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation, parties to the agreement are all expected to participate in selection of ministerial positions today.

Dr Lam Akol has reiterated his position that the creation of extra states by President Salva Kiir is a violation of the transitional constitution of the country as well as the August peace agreement.

“Therefore, I cannot be in any committee to implement anything that is unconstitutional. I don’t’ give recognition by being part of it,” Dr Akol stated.

The creation of 28 states has also been rejected by the SPLM-IO and the international community, saying it is against both the constitution and the August peace deal.

In December 2015, SPLM-IO leader Dr Riek Machar called upon President Salva Kiir to ‘rescind’ the decision.

However, President Kiir insists that he hasn’t violated any agreement. He claims that creation of the states was as a result of popular demand.