South Sudan ‘ignored’ advice on number of states

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. He increased the number of states from 10 to 32. FILE PHOTO | AFP

South Sudan’s government may have ignored advice not to tinker with the number of states, in order to foster fragile peace and unity.

Details emerged this week of how the South Sudan Independent Boundaries Commission, a body made up of experts across the continent, indicated there would be risks of raising the number of states beyond 21, although they suggested the country should start with ten.