Akobo State Explained

Akobo
Settlement Type:State
Mapsize:250px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Type2:Number of counties
Subdivision Name1:Greater Upper Nile
Subdivision Name2:1
Seat Type:Capital
Seat:Bor
Leader Title:Governor
Leader Name:Timothy Taban Juch
Timezone:EAT
Utc Offset:+3

Akobo was a state in South Sudan that existed between 14 January 2017 and 22 February 2020.[1] [2] [3]

History

Akobo County was separated from Bieh State and made a separate state with the increase in the number of states from 28 to 32 on January 14, 2017. Gabriel Gai Riam was appointed governor on January 16, 2017, after the creation of the state, but was removed and replaced by Johnson Gony Bilieu two days later.[4] [5] Timothy Taban Juch was appointed governor on August 19, 2019 after the death of Johnson Gony Bilieu on July 4, 2019.[6] [7]

Upon its creation, a large part of Akobo State was held by the SPLM-IO.

Akobo experienced heavy flooding in late 2019.[8]

Demographics

Akobo State is inhabited by the Anyuak and the Lou subgroup of the Nuer. Some Anyuak were unhappy with the creation of the state, feeling that it was created for the Lou Nuer, although the feeling was not unanimous among the Anyuak. Anyuak feel betrayed because Akobo is their historical land.[9] [10]

Notes and References

  1. News: Mutambo . Aggrey . S. Sudan govt agrees to reduce states to 10 to maintain peace . February 15, 2020 . The East African.
  2. Web site: The 32 Federal States of the Republic of South Sudan. 29 December 2018. paanluelwel.com.
  3. Web site: The 32 States of the Republic of South Sudan. 29 December 2018. hotinjuba.com.
  4. Web site: Kiir removes four governors, appoints new officials. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-18.
  5. Web site: President Kiir sacks two governors, appoints new officials. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-18.
  6. Web site: Governor Johnson Gony dies in Turkish hospital. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-21.
  7. Web site: South Sudan's Kiir makes partial cabinet reshuffle. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-21.
  8. Web site: Akobo governor warns of looming hunger after floods. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-21.
  9. Web site: Akobo Anyuak community demands exit from Akobo state. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-18.
  10. Web site: Akobo Anyuak officials reject demands to exit from Akobo state. Radio Tamazuj. en. 2020-01-18.