South Sudan’s government on Friday condemned recent ethnic-based calls between youth from Jonglei and Equatoria to break up.

 The Bor youth association recently called for evacuation of Equatorians who are working with UN agencies and international NGOs in response to alleged killings targeting members of Dinka ethnic group living in Equatoria.

Reacting to the call, leaders from the Equatoria region who live in the United States urged all international NGOs and UN agencies to evacuate staffs, particularly Equatorians in Jonglei state.

The government made its position known on Friday in a statement made by the deputy minister of information and communications, Akol Paul Kordit.

“Those who are spreading messages of hate and division from youth in Bor saying that they don’t need Equatorians in Bor, and youth in Equatoria responded that they don’t need also the Bor people in Equatoria. It is unfortunate and as government we condemn these positions,” he said.

The official urged the state governments in Jonglei and Equatoria to control those youth.” Youth should be the custodian of the unity of people and should spearhead the future of this country. We need to embrace and accept ourselves,” he said.