This Week in South Sudan – Week 52

Monday 21 December

• SPLM (IO)’s team of delegates arrived in Juba.
• At least one child was killed and three others injured in aerial bombardments in Khor Tumbak. Officials in Maban County, Upper Nile state, blamed the attack on the Sudanese Air Force.

Tuesday 22 December

• South Sudan’s central bank sold US$20 million to 13 commercial banks at a rate of 16.76 South Sudanese Pounds to the dollar, forcing a drop in the SSP street rate.

Wednesday 23 December

• President Salva Kiir ordered the army’s chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan, to return to Juba after he boycotted the reception of the SPLM (IO) advance team.

Thursday 24 December

• President Salva Kiir issued a Republican Order appointing governors for the newly created 28 states. The SPLM (IO) later condemned the appointments.
• The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) said it is committed to full implementation of the peace agreement’s security arrangement. The statement comes amidst a rumoured divide within the military.
• The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) held a second meeting in Juba, with SPLM, SPLM (IO) and SPLM-Former Detainees representatives to discuss the process of forming a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).
• An armed group in Eastern Equatoria State claimed more than 125 government soldiers under the command of 1^st Lieutenant Ruot Bhar and two other officers had defected and joined their forces.

Friday 25 December

• The SPLA (IO) accused government forces of launching attacks on its defensive positions in Makal chollo in the north part of Malakal town, Upper Nile State.

Saturday 26 December

• The Federal Democratic Party (FDP), a faction that broke away from SPLM (IO) in July, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government, pledging to send a delegation to Juba next week.

Sunday 27 December

• An unknown armed group attacked a police post in Makpandu, a village in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State.