Yei River Governor has said the peace deal his government recently signed with armed groups in the state is still holding despite the renewed fighting.

Over the weekend, clashes erupted in some parts of the state, including Kaya town, Bazi, and Timba. The cause of the fighting is yet to be known.

At least 15 people were reportedly killed in the attacks. One of the victims was an American journalist.

“My last message is to inform the entire people of Yei River State that the peace is holding,” Lokonga told Eye Radio.

According to the agreement mediated by Bishop Elias Taban of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the anti-government forces in Yei River State had agreed to stop violence and declared permanent ceasefire.

The SPLA was reportedly represented by Major-General Marshal Stephen Babanen, while the anti-government group in Yei River State was represented by Brigadier Hillary Edson Yakani.

Lokonga urged UNMISS and The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism to assess the areas that witnessed the clashes.

The governor also called on humanitarian agencies to move to the areas affected by the fighting to support the civilians.

“For us, the doors are open, including access for humanitarian agencies. Let them move to the areas where people are in need of humanitarian support,” he stated.

“The government is here to give all the necessary facility – give them access to wherever they are going.”