This Week in South Sudan – Week 29

Monday 18 July

  • IGAD calls for full demilitarization of Juba, demanding the withdrawal of SPLA and SPLA (IO) rival forces.
  • Alleged clashes between government forces and the SPLA (IO) in Leer county, Unity State.

Tuesday 19 July

  • China National Petroleum Corp. evacuated 191 employees, leaving 77 people to try to maintain normal operation.
  • The African Union has approved plans to deploy regional troops, with a more robust mandate, to South Sudan to help reinforce UNMISS’ operations. Both the SPLM and the SPLM (IO) rejected the plan, while a SPLA spokesperson said its forces will fight regional troops if they enter South Sudan.
  • The SPLA has vowed to carry out a military offensive against the Lou-Nuer inhabited areas of eastern Jonglei State. The statement is made in response to unconfirmed reports suggesting mobilization of some ‘white army’ fighters in the Yuai area.
  • The Guardian: “Violence, fear and looting grip South Sudan’s capital Juba”

Wednesday 20 July

  • At least 500 people are now thought to have been killed in Juba after the recent fighting.
  • A UN rights expert demanded the immediate release of Alfred Taban, founder and editor of Juba Monitor, who was detained last week.
  • China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it is sending its special envoy for Africa to help with the efforts to resolve South Sudan crisis.
  • Hundreds of troops loyal to the defected SPLA (IO) General Dau Aturjong Nyuol have allegedly joined the SPLA in Northern Bahr al Ghaza State.
  • The Financial Times: “To save South Sudan, put it on life support”

Thursday 21 July

  • The UN has banned 12 police officers from Britain, Germany and Sweden from returning to UNMISS after they left during recent fighting without consulting mission chiefs.
  • A number of senior government officials from the proposed Lol State government have defected to the SPLM (IO), including the mayor of Raja town James Benjamin.
  • BBC news clip: “We cannot afford to have a failed South Sudan”
  • BBC: “South Sudan crisis: The wounds of war” 

Friday 22 July

Sunday 24 July

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