JUBA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese Vice President James Wani Igga said on Friday concerted efforts to eradicate illiteracy is key to ending the cycle of political crises in the country.
Speaking at an event marking World Peace Day in Juba, Igga said education is the only thing that will end the culture of violence in the world's newest republic.
"It is when this high illiteracy is reduced that it will be possible for the government to execute its mandate," Igga said.
He said many South Sudanese are easily misled because they are not educated, and end up becoming part of the culture of war.
"South Sudan has developed a bad culture, a culture of violence, a culture of war," said Igga.
The conflict in South Sudan erupted in 2013 after forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar engaged in combat.
A 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016, when rival factions resumed fighting in the capital, Juba, forcing Machar to flee into exile.
Millions of South Sudanese civilians have sought refuge in neighboring countries as the conflict rages on.
The warring sides signed a fresh peace agreement last week in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.
