Country South Sudan Number of Counties 2 | Capital Maridi | |
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Maridi State is one of the 28 states of South Sudan, formed on 2 October 2015. It is located in the Equatoria region, and it was part of the former state of Western Equatoria before the original 10 state split up. Maridi State borders the states of Amadi State, Gbudwe State, Western Lakes State, and Yei River State.
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History
Before a decree in October 2015, Maridi State was part of Western Equatoria state. On 2 October 2015, President Salva Kiir issued a decree establishing 28 states in place of the 10 constitutionally established states. The decree established the new states largely along ethnic lines. A number of opposition parties and civil society groups challenged the constitutionality of the decree. Kiir later resolved to take it to parliament for approval as a constitutional amendment. In November the South Sudanese parliament empowered President Kiir to create new states.
Africano Mande was appointed as the governor of the state on 24 December 2015.
Geography
Maridi State is located in the Equatoria region, and it borders Western Lakes to the north, Yei River to the southeast, Gbudwe to the west, and Amadi to the east.
Administrative divisions
Maridi state consists of two counties. The two counties are Ibba County and Maridi County. Each county was also given a commissioner.
Towns and cities
The capital of Maridi State is the city of Maridi, South Sudan. Other towns and villages in the state include Ibba, Bangasu, and James Diko, all of which belongs to Ibba county. Their total combined population was 41,869 in 2008, and was projected at 47,810 in 2014.