Updated

The U.N. chief says a global aid appeal for conflict-torn South Sudan is just 3 percent funded, and the world body is releasing $21 million in emergency money to help.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke during a visit to the east African country, where he talked with its president and rebel leader and urged both to quickly establish a transitional government of national unity.

President Salva Kiir this month appointed rebel leader Riek Machar as vice president, but Machar has yet to return to South Sudan, citing security concerns.

Ban called on Kiir and Machar to "rebuild mutual trust" and turn attention to the country's humanitarian and economic crisis and "massive human rights violations."

More than two years of fighting have killed tens of thousands and displaced two million people.