The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, says the government must start taking responsibility of protecting its people and not leave the duty to humanitarian action.

Mr Ban made the call yesterday in a press statement during his one-day visit, just before he left the country.

The UN boss condemned the killing, rape, conscription of children into the army and described the corruption levels in the country as “epic”.

Mr Ban says the humanitarian needs in the country need a political solution.

“The protection camps are not a long term solution. As important as it is, humanitarian action can never be a substitute for political solutions,” Mr Ban said.

“The government of South Sudan must step up to its responsibility and protect its population.”

The UN Secretary-General also called for uninterrupted access for humanitarian agencies to areas in which people are in need of assistance.

Meanwhile, President Salva Kiir in his meeting with the Secretary-General made some commitments, including observance of permanent cease-fire, demilitarization of Juba and redeployment of the presidential guards out of Juba.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Barnaba Marial, the president also expressed commitment to the formation of the government of national unity, constitutional reforms and embarking on national healing and reconciliation.