Representatives of South Sudan civil society organizations are calling for the formation of interim government of technocrats.

They say the new government to be formed must represent the different communities of South Sudan.

Last night in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, a panel discussion was held on the occasion of the third anniversary of South Sudan’s independence.

Dr. Julia Aker Duany, member of South Sudan Higher Education Initiative for Equality and Leadership Development, said citizens should choose the type of transitional government they want.

“If we have a technocrats’ government where we say: ‘guys, can you hold on your horses, we fix the system for you, you prepare yourself and then come for elections; whoever wins the elections now come and sit on the chair’,” she said.

“But, those technocrats who are preparing the ground for whatever government will come in will not be allowed to contest so that they don’t work themselves in order to win the elections.”

Dr. Jok Madut Jok, Executive Director of Sudd Institute, said there is a need to increase the participation of women in the interim government.

“This is not as a political correctness being nice to women – you are not doing it for the welfare of women by including them. You are being pragmatic. It is the only way you can achieve anything.

About 51% of the population of South Sudan are women, according to UN figures.

“So, if you have the majority of the population excluded, you are basically like a machine that is functioning at half of its capacity. You have only half as much a chance to succeed.”

Dr. Jok also said politics must be separated from military in order to help create what he calls internal democracy in political parties.

In a communiqué last month, IGAD said President Kiir and rebel leader Dr Riek had committed themselves to formation of a transitional government of national unity within 60 days.