The 'Troika' of Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States yesterday criticized the decree issued by President Salva Kiir last Friday to create 28 new states, saying any such fundamental restructuring of the state should be handled by the Transitional Government of National Unity.

South Sudan's warring parties agreed to establish a 'unity government' throughout a three year transitional period, but the transitional government has not yet been formed. In a statement, the three Western governments expressed “serious concern” at Kiir's plans to restructure South Sudan's state governments before the transitional period even begins.

“One of the primary tasks of the soon to be formed Transitional Government of National Unity is to initiate and oversee a process to complete a permanent constitution that will address such fundamental issues as the structure of the state.”

The Troika stressed that Kiir's decree conflicts with the peace agreement signed by Kiir in August.

“This announcement directly contradicts the Government of South Sudan’s commitment to implement the peace agreement it signed on August 26,” the Troika stated. They were referring to the provisions of the peace agreement that stipulate power-sharing on the basis of ten states.

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

Troika members also condemned the current resumption of fighting in Unity State. They encouraged the South Sudanese warring parties and IGAD mediators to move forward with the establishment of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and mandated security arrangements.

File photo: USA Secretary of State John Kerry speaking to an Eye Radio journalist in Nairobi in May 2014 (US Special Envoy/US Government Photo)