South Sudan on brink of civil war - UN The UN mission in South Sudan has warned that the country is on the brink of civil war, amid escalat...

 South Sudan on brink of civil war - UN

The UN mission in South Sudan has warned that the country is on the brink of civil war, amid escalating tensions.

The warning comes as the agency warned of the risk of a new conflict and warned of the use of explosive devices against civilians.

The UN special representative for the country, Nicholas Haysom, said civilians have been subjected to airstrikes since an armed Nuer group attacked a military base.

He added that civilians, including women and children, have been seriously injured, while at least 63,000 people have fled the conflict.

The council said there were reports that the two warring parties were using children to fight, while officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar were detained, went into hiding, were dismissed from their posts or fled the country.

The council urged President Salva Kiir and Machar to return to the peace agreement they signed to resolve their differences.