South Sudanese journalists and activists are warning their fellow citizens against using inflammatory language when expressing their views on social media as peace implementation begins.

In interviews conducted by Radio Tamazuj, several journalists and activists said hate speech on social media could have a negative impact on peace among communities in South Sudan.

Joseph Addison, a South Sudanese activist, said hate speech on social media existed even before the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan.

He said hate speech continued also after the singing of peace agreement. He said the two warring parties signed a peace agreement to find a solution to the political crisis, but they failed to disseminate peace messages on the ground.

Joseph explained that some people who use inflammatory language were immensely affected by the war, but the perpetrators should be held accountable as a way of compensation for families of victims.

Joseph called for a campaign against hate speech to disseminate culture of peace among different communities in South Sudan.

Afandi Joseph, a journalist who was abducted and tortured recently in the capital Juba, criticized ethnic-affiliated speech on social media in South Sudan. He pointed out that South Sudanese should accept other people's opinions instead of resorting to defamation.

Afandi stressed that the people of South Sudan need peace not war, saying peace and instability will not be achieved unless hate speech is renounced. 

Joseph Chan Awer, a journalist who was also subjected to torture, accused South Sudan leaders of condoning hate speech on the street and in social media. 

Awer expressed concerns that this peace agreement may not be sustained if South Sudanese do not stop hate speech. He called on the government to initiate a program to disseminate peace messages.