The United Nations has expressed concern over a power vacuum in South Sudan caused by the failure to form a transitional government despite a recent agreement. In a statement earlier this week, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer called on the country’s leaders to appoint governors for the states. “The absence of political leadership at the state level in South Sudan has contributed to the recent outbreak of intercommunal violence in the country,” he said. “The filling of the governor positions is particularly urgent. The absence of authority at the state level has caused a vacuum of power and decision-making, as we have seen in Jonglei,” Shearer stressed. “There have been ongoing negotiations over ministerial and other appointments over the past two weeks. I understand from speaking to those involved, that while tough, they have been carried out cordially.” There is some optimism amongst parties that an announcement may be possible by the end of this week, he noted. The UN official said more than 8,000 people are currently living in makeshift shelters next to the UN base in Pibor. On Feb. 22, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed his cabinet and appointed rebel leader Riek Machar and four others as vice presidents, paving the way for the formation of a unity government that seeks to end six years of war. South Sudans Presidential Adviser Tut Galwak said there are ongoing talks between the government and opposition groups on the appointment of governors. He stressed the progress in the negotiations to end the disputes over quotas, indicating that power-sharing will be in accordance with the peace agreement that has been activated. The group loyal to Kiir maintained the positions of the ministries of finance, interior and foreign affairs, while Machar was granted the ministries of defense, oil, mining and peacebuilding. According to Galwak, both parties agreed to choose ministers from both sides, but he did not provide names. “We have prepared the list of candidates for ministerial positions, but the opposition parties did not present their list yet to the president,” he said, noting that the government is expected to be announced soon. Under the September 2018 peace agreement between the government and opposition, the unity government will have 35 ministers, 10 deputy ministers, and a 550-member parliament.