A former state governor has broken away from South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) loyal to President Kiir and formed a new political party.

Lewis Anei Madut Kuendit, the former governor of Warrap state, described the decision to split from the ruling party last week, the best thing a citizen could do instead of causing change through violence and destruction.

Anei, who is yet to announce the launch of his party at a public rally, said he hopes the people of South Sudan are happy about the formation of the new party in the country except those who don’t care about the current political and security situation.

"I think, people all over South Sudan are happy about the creation of the new Republican Party of South Sudan except for those who don't care about the situation in the country,” he said in a statement.

"Forming a Party is the best option a good Citizen can do instead of wanting to cause change through violence and destruction or instead of failure to do something and causing unbearable suffering to your countrymen,” he added.