United Nations, May 15 (RHC)-- The United Nations is warning South Sudan is on the brink of famine and genocide unless warring factions end their fighting.

Thousands have been killed and more than one million people have fled their homes since clashes broke out in December. After a visit to South Sudan last week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate truce, saying that he saw the threat of massive famine. The UN leader also said that half of South Sudan’s 12 million people will be run out of their homes, starving or dead by the end of this year.

South Sudan was due to hold presidential elections next year, but they have now been postponed as part of reconciliation efforts.