The governor of Sudan’s South Kordofan state, Issa Adam Abakar, said he is willing to consider the possibility of stepping down if rebels agree to denounce violence and restart peace talks.

Addressing a public rally attended by President Omar al-Bashir in Kadugli on Monday, Governor Abakar urged the SPLA-North rebels led by Abdul-Aziz Al-Hilu to join the peace process.

“I call upon Al-Hilu to return to the state if he wants my post to be the governor, I am ready to step down for the sake of peace,” he said.

Abakar pointed out that the developmental projects have been extended to remote villages in the state. “We are aware that some members of the SPLM-N are coming in secretly to attend football matches of Al-Hilal of Kadugli, so come openly and join peace,” he said.