Decentralization/Federalism – 2021
2021
After holding consultative meetings with various stakeholders on February 14, 2020, President Kiir decided, via Presidential decree, to return the country to ten states (Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Unity, Lakes, Jonglei, Western Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Upper Nile), alongside the three administrative areas of Abyei, Boma, and Ruweng.[1] The newly-decided number of states and administrative areas could provide the basis for federalism, but the permanent constitution finalizes the federal system.
As a permanent constitution-making process is underway, no further information on federalism is available.
[1] “South Sudan cuts number of states from 32 to 10, unlocking peace process,” Reuters, February 15, 2020; “Progress report no. 6: On the implementation status of the R-ARCSS,” Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, April 20, 2020.