JUBA, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Friday urged security personnel to intensify the crackdown on crime that has escalated in the capital Juba.

Kiir said that combating crime and other illegal activities is key to promoting peace and unity in South Sudan ahead of formation of a transitional government that is expected later this year.

The South Sudan leader said that maintaining security in the capital will expedite the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement that will herald lasting stability in the strife-torn nation.

South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013.

A peace deal signed in 2015 collapsed after renewed violence in July 2016.

In September 2018, the warring South Sudanese parties signed a revitalized peace deal.