In an unexpected decision, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Saturday evening relieved the governors of all 32 states of their duties.

A presidency meeting held in Juba today took the decision to return the country to the original 10 states plus three administrative areas. The move aimed at resolving the contentious issue of the number of states.

In another presidential decree, Kiir removed all the other constitutional post holders in the 32 states, except for members of the state legislatures.

The president has assigned the secretary general in each state to act as the state administrator pending formation of the unity government. He also tasked the county executive director in each county to act as the county administrator pending formation of the unity government.

In a separate decree, Kiir formed a high-level committee to reorganize all the constitutional post holders and civil servants affected by the final resolution to return the country to the original 10 states.

Kiir appointed Vice-President James Wani Igga as chairperson of the committee. The high-level committee is expected to submit its report to the president within 45 working days.

President Salva Kiir and opposition groups are under pressure to urgently implement the move to a transitional government before the expiration of February 22 deadline.