The President of the Republic on Friday evening issued a Republic Order for the establishment of 28 states in the country.
Salva Kiir Mayardit names the new states on SSTV and Radio basing on regional mapping of Equatoria, Bahr El Ghazal and Upper Nile.
Equatoria states include Jubek, Yei River, Terekeka, Imatong, Lomurnyang, Maridi, Amadi and Gbudwe.
Bahr El Ghazal states include Wau, Aweil, Lol, Aweil East, Twic, Gorgial East, Tonj, Eastern Lakes, Western Lakes and Gok.
Upper Nile states include Northern Liech, Southern Liech, Ruweng, Eastern Nile, Jonglei, Western Nile, Western Bieh, Eastern Bieh, Latjoor and Boma plus Abyei Administrative Area.
President Kiir explains that the creation aims at boosting socio-economic development in rural communities.
The order awaits approval by the Council of States and appointment of governors and state legislature by the President of the Republic within 30 days.