Wednesday 20 April
- International media reports on Riek Machar’s postponed return:
- The New York Times: “South Sudan: Uncertainty Over Rebel Leader’s Expected Return”
- The Guardian “South Sudan peace deal in balance amid opposition leader’s continued absence”
- Financial Times “Machar’s aborted return sets back peace plans in South Sudan”
- BBC “South Sudan peace at risk – monitors”
- Foreign Policy “South Sudan: Rebel leader did not return because he tried to bring laser missiles with him”
- The Government of South Sudan has agreed to launch a joint military offensive against the Murle fighters in response to last week’s Gambela attacks in Ethiopia.
Thursday 21 April
- Ethiopian troops have reportedly surrounded the areas of Jior and Kok in Jonglei state, where people from the Murle group are suspected of holding 125 Ethiopian children whom they had kidnaped.
Friday 22 April
- The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) has accepted the SPLM (IO) demand that nearly 200 fully armed troops will accompany Riek Machar upon his return to Juba. However, the GoSS shortly thereafter demanded to first inspect the SPLA (IO) weapons prior to their arrival in Juba.
Saturday 23 April
- Riek Machar scheduled to arrive on Monday 25 April.
Sunday 24 April
- BBC news clip “No future’ for refugees in South Sudan”
- After repeated delays, the US along with other western donor governments have reportedly withdrawn funding for the return of Riek Machar.
- A group of mostly Shilluk rebels in the Upper Nile region said they will lay down their weapons if President Salva Kiir’s order to create 28 states is cancelled.
- Radio Tamazuj: “Timeline: South Sudan’s week of waiting”
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