The African Union Envoy on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide has warned South Sudanese citizens against the use and spread of hate speech, particularly on social media.

The envoy said platforms such as Facebook are increasingly being used to promote harmful messages, fuel tensions, spread fear, and encourage conflict among communities. He warned that hate speech can create chaos, discrimination, disunity, and violence among people who have lived together for decades.

Earlier this year, the Government of South Sudan passed a cybersecurity law through parliament to regulate social media use and online conduct. Authorities have also urged citizens to respect the law and avoid using digital platforms to spread messages that may threaten peace and stability.

South Sudan has faced repeated conflict and political instability since gaining independence from Sudan. The country descended into civil war after President Salva Kiir accused his long-time rival, Dr Riek Machar, of attempting to overthrow the government.

The two leaders later signed the 2018 peace agreement in Khartoum, Sudan, under the mediation of regional leaders, including former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

The African Union has continued to call on South Sudanese leaders to fully implement the peace agreement, warning that repeated delays and political tensions have placed the deal at risk of collapse.

The envoy stressed that peace cannot be achieved while hate speech continues to divide communities, and urged citizens, leaders, and social media users to promote unity, tolerance, and reconciliation.