Members of the international community, politicians, and civil society groups have urged President Salva Kiir to postpone the creation of more states.

They say the decision to split the ten states into 28 is against the peace agreement.

In a republican order last Friday, the President said he was creating more states to devolve power to the grassroots.

In reaction, the United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom say creating more states directly contradicts the government commitment to implement the peace deal signed in August.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, they said they are seriously concerned of the move and have urged the President to postpone it until the formation of a transitional government of national unity.

“We recognize that the people of South Sudan have long been interested in the issues of federalism and decentralization,” read the statement.

“However, we strongly urge President Kiir to defer action on this fundamental matter until the Transitional Government of National Unity is formed and a national constitutional dialogue can take place.”

The European Union has issued a similar statement.

Some politicians and civil society groups also want the creation of more states to wait until the formation of a transitional government.

“We of course think that President is the responsible person….I don’t have doubt that his interest is the peace in the country, I don’t have doubt that he needs the country to be in stability,” said Dr Lam Akol, the chairman of the National Alliance.

“Therefore, I will tell him that the advisors, his legal advisors did not tell him the right thing. I am requesting him to review this decision he made.”

The SPLM-IO and the former political detainees have also called for suspension of the order.

But the People’s Liberal Party has expressed its support for the move, saying it would be effective.

For its part, the South Sudan Civil Society Organizations say that the order should be suspended during the pre-transitional period.

In a statement today, they say suspending the order would allow for constitutional amendment to create room for greater participation in creating more states.

They said a National Boundaries Commission should also be established to study the administrative boundaries of the states before the order comes into force.

However, the ministry of foreign affairs says the South Sudanese people are happy with the order.

Spokesman Amb Mawien Makol told Eye Radio that the government rejects any calls to suspend the decision.

“We cannot take permission from any other country when we are doing our things here based on our constitution,” Amb Makol said.

Eastern Equatoria State has gone ahead with implementation of the order.

Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has formed a committee tasked with dividing assets and budget and distributing them to the newly established states: Imatong and Lomurnyang.

(Additional information by Dominic Santo)