South Sudan risks descending into genocide

South Sudan could slide into genocide if the conflict-torn nation fails to curb ethnic-targeted killings, a UN advisor said Friday.

UN Secretary General Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng told reporters in the capital Juba that inflammatory rhetoric, stereotyping and name calling between ethnic groups were on the rise in the country and could turn into ethnic cleansing if not stopped outright.

"I am dismayed to report that what I have seen and what I have heard have confirmed my concern that there is strong risk of violence escalating along ethnic lines with the potential for genocide," Dieng said after concluding his five-day visit to the oil-rich yet poverty-ridden country.

"Inflammatory rhetoric, stereotyping and name calling have been accompanied by targeted killings and rape of members of particular ethnic groups," he added.

"I am particularly concerned by the involvement of the youth in the spread of hatred and hostility as they are susceptible to divisions within society," Dieng said while lamenting the abuse of social media to spread hatred.

The UN advisor urged South Sudan leaders to allow inclusivity to foster unity among the various fragmented communities.

Since the renewed violence broke out in the capital of Juba between forces led by ousted First Vice President Riek Machar and troops loyal to President Salva Kiir in July, violence and targeted killings have spread to hitherto peaceful areas of Yei and Eastern Equatoria's Magwi area.

"I have seen that there is extreme polarization among some tribal groups which have increased in certain places since the outbreak of violence in July this year," Dieng noted.

"What began as a political conflict has transformed into what could become an outright ethnic war with the stalling of the implementation of the peace agreement," he said.