Three weeks after the formation of the South Sudan Transitional Government of National Unity, the Second Vice-President James Wani Igga tells The EastAfrican's Fred Oluoch about the progress so far and the challenges ahead.

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What is your assessment of the Transitional Government of National Unity since it was formed on April 29?

I think we have started on a positive note, taking into account that such a complex peace agreement cannot be implemented overnight. First, the ultimate formation of the Cabinet of National Unity after a long delay is a good start.

It shows that there is goodwill and determination to implement the agreement as the only choice for us to relieve our people from the undeserved suffering associated with the armed conflict imposed upon them.

So far, the new Cabinet has readjusted the Implementation Matrix which was lagging behind by six months and where we have squeezed the timelines within the remaining period.

What are the issues that the Cabinet needs tackled immediately?

The cantonment of soldiers is part of the pending security arrangements that needs to be addressed. In the new Implementation Matrix, we have also listed the reconstitution of parliament and the swearing -in of new members.

With regard to the 28 states, we have recommended that a technical committee reviews the boundaries and come up with recommendations. The issue of new states has been complicated by the dispute over new borders where some communities have complained that their land was annexed and given to other communities.

Are there any plans to resettle internally displaced persons living in the United Nations camps?

This was the lead item in our first Cabinet meeting and we said that it has to be implemented immediately. We also assured those who want to return to their homes of their security.

Already, some internally displaced persons and refugees from neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia have returned to their homes, but the majority still remain in the camps.

So, full-scale repatriation and resettlement will involve the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other UN bodies. This exercise needs significant funds because there are those who want to return to their rural areas. However, the decision to return home is voluntary; we are not forcing those who feel threatened outside the UN camps to return home. 

How does the new government plan to raise funds given the depleted foreign exchange reserves and reduced oil revenues?

We were hoping that traditional donors and development partners are going to release funds now that we have formed the transitional government.

However, we are appealing to all those of goodwill to help us; my visit to Kenya is part of the process to mobilise funds from the international community. The implementation process needs massive funding which we cannot raise internally.

Now that you have been relegated to position three after the return of Dr Riek Machar, what has changed in terms of your national roles?

It is true that some of the roles I used to play as the only vice president have been given to Dr Machar. But I am still a member of the National Security Council, the Council of Ministers and more directly, I am in charge of commissions and parastatals.

I also have the new role of commander-in-chief of our forces in an acting capacity in the absence of President Salva Kiir. The agreement created the role of an alternative commander-in-chief when the president is out of the country.

How far have you gone with national healing and reconciliation?

This is one of the top priorities. We are saying that from the day Dr Machar arrived in Juba on April 25, we started rebuilding the confidence.

We do that by openly talking to the people on how we are going about with the implementation. The reconciliation and healing needs funding, because we have to move from state to state, but we would like to begin.

As a leader, what assurance can you give the rest of the world that they will not see a repeat of 2013?

That is a very difficult question to answer; it is like asking me to become a prophet. Nobody can give such an assurance.  Nevertheless, the international community must play its role to ensure that the people of South Sudan get the necessary guidance and support to move forward. If the international community can help us fix our economy and create employment, then fewer youth will be attracted to the gun.

But we are trying to address the issue of tribalism which has been the cause of these conflicts. We should tolerate different ethnic groups by offering equal opportunities in employment, recruitment, promotions and scholarships. If this is done fairly and equitably, every South Sudanese will have a sense of belonging.

That is the surest way to unite the country and prevent further conflict.