This Week in South Sudan – Week 41

Monday 5 October

• The repartition of South Sudan into 28 new states:
  • In a joint statement, the Troika urged Salva Kiir to delay the repartition of South Sudan until the Transitional Government of National Unity is formed.
  • South Sudan opposition politicians and legal experts questioned the legality of the repartition order issued last week by President Salva Kiir.
  • The SPLM/A (IO) says the repartition violates the August peace deal and indicates President Salva Kiir’s lack of commitment to the peace process.
  • The national alliance of major South Sudanese political parties accused President Salva Kiir of violating the constitution by unilaterally creating 28 new states.
  • The South Sudanese think tank, The Sudd institute, issued a policy review in which it voices concerns over the creation of 28 states.
• Three SPLA soldiers were killed by unknown gunmen in Mankaro area in Central Equatoria State.

Tuesday 6 October

• SPLM/A (IO) leader Riek Machar accused U.S. officials of “not supporting peace” and criticized the White House of lack of support in implementing the August peace deal.

Wednesday 7 October

• The White House cancelled a meeting with Vice President James Wani Igga, SPLM (IO) leader Riek Machar, and former detainee Pagan Amum due to the factions’ lack of commitment to the August peace deal.
  • U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Special Envoy Don Booth later met with the three representatives.

Thursday 8 October

• According IGAD monitors, South Sudan’s warring sides have violated the cessation of hostilities agreement over 50 times in the last 20 months.
• South Sudan to export coffee for the first time.
• The UN accused the SPLA of assaulting UNMISS peacekeepers and urged President Salva Kiir’s government to stop “hostile attitude.”
• Authorities from Mayom county in Unity state accused SPLA (IO) forces of killing 10 civilians, including three women and two children in Wangkei West. The SPLA (IO) later denied the claims.

Friday 9 October

• UN Security Council extended UNMISS’ mission in South Sudan for another two months and suggested amongst other efforts to prioritize the use of surveillance drones.
  • Russia and Venezuela voiced their concerns about the threat of UN sanctions and the use of drones.
• Authorities in Western Equatoria state accused SPLA forces in Mundri West county of killing civilians and burning down the whole town.

Saturday 10 October

• The UPDF failed to meet the 10 October deadline for its withdrawal in accordance with Uganda’s commitment to the August peace deal.
• The Economist: “South Sudan: That Elusive Peace”
• Radio Tamazuj: “Explaining the South Sudan peace agreement”
  • Part 5: What are the roles of the President and 1st VP?
  • Part 6: What will happen to Wani Igga?
  • Part 7: How many cabinet ministers for each party?
  • Part 8: Which party will take which ministries?
  • Part 9: Will ousted MPs be reinstated?

Sunday 11 October

• President Salva Kiir said the internationally backed August peace deal undermines the sovereignty of South Sudan.