NBGs Governor Simon Ober Mawut. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal Simon Ober Mawut is calling on various political parties in the state to avoid division and collaborate towards achieving the people’s aspirations.

Simon Ober Mawut said his administration will strive to deliver services and address issues facing the state populations.

He emphasized teamwork and the importance of setting aside political differences to focus on the state’s development and peace building in the new year.

His remarks followed the conclusion of a three-day Political Parties’ Forum in Aweil, which committed to opening civic space and political freedom.

The forum was, organized by the UN Mission in South Sudan and brought together 80 participants, representing 18 parties, seven civil society organizations and different security sector organs.

“I reiterated this point in a political parties Forum that recently concluded in Aweil town. Currently, we are working as one United government, under extended R-ARCSS,” he said in a video address in Aweil.

“I urge all the political parties and other stakeholders to collaboratively work towards achieving the aspirations of our people.”

Mr. Mawut pointed out that government directors general are responsible for maintaining governance during a political vacuum, and their appointments must be free from political interference.

The governor said his administration has decided to depoliticize the civil service by strictly adhering to the Public Service Act.

During the discussion in Aweil on 30th December, UNMISS said 17 other political parties need the minimum of political space required to be able to function and compete for the sympathies of voters in the state where the SPLM is dominant.

“Civic and political actors must be able to freely assemble, register their parties, have equal access to media and opportunities to hold rallies, meetings and other campaign activities without obstruction,” commented Guang Cong, the peacekeeping mission’s Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

The forum ended with participants signing off on an action plan to enable civic and political space; collaborate between themselves, security organs and civil society organizations, and make efforts to build trust and confidence among all relevant stakeholders.