The newly appointed governor of Sudan’s South Kordofan State has vowed to achieve peace in the state this year, calling on rebel movement to join the peace process.

Part of South Kordofan is controlled by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (North), especially strongholds in the Nuba Mountains.

The governor, Maj. Gen. Issa Adam Abakar, spoke during a reception ceremony in Kadugli town on Sunday. He said bringing an end to the ongoing conflict is the only solution to all the problems facing South Kordofan State.

He pointed out that development is impossible without achieving peace. The governor said that he put in writing a development plan that involves citizens in its implementation, saying he will be accountable for it.

He added the development plan includes health, education and economic reform through agriculture, which he said will be the backbone of the development in the next stage.

Meanwhile, a representative of the political parties Hamdan Bulad said there are pressing issues that need to be addressed by the new governor. He advised the governor to work for peace and political consensus among the political parties, besides the provision of services to the citizens.