The Government of Imatong State Nartisio Loluke Manir has called on citizens of the state who fled to camps in Uganda to return to the state in order to work in agriculture. Speaking after a tour of parts of the state, he said he came with a message of peace, security and reconciliation among all tribes in his state.

Nartisio said that his government would work to end the problems between the tribes in Imatong State, which comprises Torit, Ikotos, Lopa and Magwi counties.

The governor this week toured a number of Acholi areas in Magwi County as well as Madi areas in Pageri.

He also called on humanitarian organizations to deliver food to the people of his state in order to help them to cultivate enough this year.

Nartisio urged anyone bearing arms against the government not to do so, pointing out that the problems between the opposition and the government have been resolved by the August 2015 peace agreement. He said some youths carrying weapons and calling themselves opposition are just looking for ranks and money.

He stressed that law and justice are the only way to resolve tribalism, corruption and nepotism in South Sudan.

Imatong State is one of 28 states created by President Salva Kiir by decree but challenged as unconstitutional by a coalition of opposition parties.

Monitors of the peace agreement have called the creation of the 28 states a “violation” of the peace agreement. Salva Kiir says the 28 states are the demand of the people.