South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has directed the newly appointed governor of Bieh state Majok Gatluak Thoah to go to the rebel-held Bieh state, a sign of escalating violence in the country.

The new state, which lies on the Lou Nuer territory, has remained under rebel control since fighting broke out between government troops and SPLA-IO fighters in December 2013.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed governors on Thursday, President Kiir ordered the governor of Bieh state to go and clear the road towards the SPLA-IO controlled territory of Bieh.

"I hear that you can go from here by land up to Bor, and you can also reach Duk. But if you want to go towards Waat, you cannot go, it is a no-go area, until when this area will remain closed like that?” he asked.

"Who is now the governor of Waat? Is Bieh a separate country? If it is one of our states, you go and clear the road,” said Kiir.

Bieh state with its capital in Waat comprises of Uror and Nyirol Counties after President Kiir declared Akobo County as a separate state.

File photo: President Kiir on 20 January, 2014 (Credit: BBC)