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Seven months after South Sudan formed the national unity government that was meant to end war and initiate peace and harmony in the world’s youngest nation, the Catholic Bishop of the country’s Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has expressed worry over the incomplete formation of the political administrative units to make up the government.
After intense international pressure on political leaders in South Sudan including Pope Francis’ dramatic gesture of kissing the feet of President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, a unity government was formed Saturday, February 22, opening a new chapter that seems an answer to the prayers of many.
The December 17 announcement by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Vice-President designate Dr. Riek Machar that they have agreed to form a unity government by the February deadline has been described as a “positive” move by two South Sudanese clerics who have spoken to ACI Africa correspondent in Juba, the capital of the world’s youngest nation.
Three days after Pope Francis led Catholic faithful in praying for peace and reconciliation in South Sudan and expressed the hope to visit the East African country, the Holy Father has reconfirmed his desire to realize the trip to the world’s youngest country and disclosed that it would be a joint pastoral visit, together with the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican communion, Archbishop Justin Welby.
On November 8, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Vice-President designate Dr. Riek Machar decided to extend the Pre-Transitional period expected to end in the formation of a unity government by one hundred days effective November 12. This is a renewed extension from the original May 2019 deadline