South Sudan’s Vice President James Wani Igga has appealed to government officials to desist from engaging in corruption if they are to uphold the integrity of the country.

Igga was speaking at a rally organized in Maridi State on Monday. He said public funds are siphoned off by individuals in the government, while urging the government officials to desist from engaging in corruption for the sake of the country.

“We need to stop corruption and it should not be tolerated in our country. We also need to respect the rule of law and human rights, so if we don’t look into it critically, this will not unite our country,” he said

Igga also said the people of South Sudan must refrain from tribalism. He reiterated his government’s commitment to bring about peace in the country.

However, Igga accused the opposition of making impossible demands at the last peace forum in Addis Ababa.

The top government official said peace and stability is in the interest of the government. He encouraged the people of Maridi to unite for the sake of peace.