Juba, South Sudan,
May 03, 2021 — A former rebel commander and the current Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement of Upper Nile State, Lt. Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth Hothnyang, has issued a Ministerial decree to dissolve and reinstate local administrations but not without preconditions.
According to his decree, all paramount chiefs and their local administrations will be dissolved in 100 days but each of the Chiefs must pay an amount in US Dollar that ranges from $400 US Dollar per head chief to $800 for paramount chief which in local current would be roughly equivalent to 4 or 8 cows.
“Therefore, I as a Minister of local government and law enforcement do here by issuing orders for the dissolution of all paramount chiefs, head chiefs and sub chiefs after 100 days in your office. The committee for election from the ministry of local government and law enforcement will come to your end after 100 days from the signature of these orders,” Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth wrote.
Hon. Gathoth Gatkuoth’s men will be collecting what he describes as “fees” but it is not clear whether the money will be paid by the current local administrators or by the candidates who may express interest in running for the new positions.
“The fees for election per traditional level shall be: paramount chief – 800 USD, Head chief = 500 USD and Sub chief = 400 USD. This for your directive” reads part of the decree.
According to Gen. Gathoth Gatkuoth, the systems that were introduced by the 32 states and 21 states of SPLM-IG and SPLM-IG introduced many messy local administrations that are now defunct and needs to be cleaned up.
“By 32 Defunct States & SPLM -10 Liberated Areas. Following the formation of revitalized state government of UNS after one year. Reference to the above mentioned subject, as you all knew that former 32 defunct states and SPLM – 10 liberated areas has created more counties.” Hon. Gen. Gathoth said.
“Payams that produced many Paramount chiets, head chiefs and sub chiefs.” He continued.
