Vice President James Wani Igga has warned of tribalism and nepotism in the forthcoming transitional government of national unity.

Mr Igga told a crowd in Yei that tribalism would destroy the country if allowed to continue.

He urged politicians who might take up ministerial positions in the next government to employ people based on merit.

“If we South Sudanese cannot burry tribalism, then tribalism will bury us,” the VP told the gathering.

Several ministers are often accused of offering job opportunities to their relatives.

“Other ministers will employ people, starting from the director general up to the messenger from his area. This is very wrong. We must employ people according to capacities. That is the foundation for our unity.”

The vice president made the remarks during the launching of a five-year strategic development plan for Yei River County on Thursday.