IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan have said the republican order splitting the ten states into 28 is a ‘violation’ of the peace agreement.

The President issued the order more than a week ago, saying he was devolving power to the communities.

In a memo sent to leaders of the parties to the agreement, IGAD special envoys say the order contradicts a number of provisions in the peace deal signed in August.

They say such articles include one that stipulates that devolution of power and resources to the lower levels should be enacted during the process of making a permanent constitution.

The provision also states that a federal and democratic system of governance should also be initiated during this period.

The envoys also say the order contradicts the power sharing agreement, which is based on the ten states.

According to the memo, the creation of more states is contrary to the position held by the government during the talks. Envoys now say the move could return the parties into further and endless negotiations.

However, in a statement after the order, the minister of information, Michael Makuei, said the SPLM-IO would still retain its share of power even in the newly created states.

On Monday, a group of ten political parties, some of whom are in government, said the creation of more states should go ahead.

But the envoys urge the warring parties to implement the agreement to the letter and spirit, and urge the government to suspend the order.

They also called upon the SPLM in Opposition to join the government in implementing the outcomes of the permanent ceasefire and security arrangements both sides held in Addis Ababa last month.

They warn that failure to do so obstruct the implementation of the agreement.

Chief Negotiator Seyoum Mesfin, General Lazaro K Sumbeiywo and General Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa sent the memo dated 10th of October to the leaders of the signatories to the peace agreement.

The Troika, The European Union, the National Alliance of opposition political parties, and the Civil Society of South Sudan also issued statements earlier, calling for suspension of the order.