Africano Monday, governor of the proposed Maridi State has call on local youth who are taking up arms against the government to stop fighting and join the peace process.
Maridi State is one of 28 successor states created by Salva Kiir by decree, which the opposition groups say are unconstitutional.
Addressing a number of defected rebels in Maridi town last week, Governor Africano urged all rebel groups from the area to join peace in order to save lives of innocent citizens in the area.
He pointed out that the people of Maridi lost their lives and property due to war, while reiterating his appeal to members of the armed opposition faction to surrender to the government for the sake of peace and stability in the area.
Separately, Enosa Aguno Sette, Agriculture Minister in Maridi, called on companies and citizens who are selling timber to register with the ministry in order to acquire licenses for the business.
The official threatened to apply tough penalties against whoever works in illegal logging, while urging all local residents to engage in tree planting.