Lakes State military caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol has ordered eight county commissioners to forcefully recruit 800 youth from each county to join the national army, according to a report by Sudan Tribune.

The governor reportedly told chiefs and commissioners youths must join the army to defend the state’s interests.

Rumbek Central County Commissioner Mawat Manuer also instructed chiefs and youth leaders to mobilise young men for recruitment, threatening to dismiss chiefs who violate the order.

Officials in Wulu, Rumbek East, Yirol West, Yirol East, Cueibet and Awerial Counties are said to have distanced themselves from orders.

Lakes youth activist Moses Ater called on Governor Chut to step down before they force him to resign.

He said President Salva Kiir Mayardit is talking about peace and not war, wondering where the governor got his orders.