This Week in South Sudan – Week 29 – Monitoring South Sudan

The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) has reported an outbreak of fall armyworm pest in parts of the Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Gazal and Jonglei regions.
President Salva Kiir declared a three-month state of emergency in parts of Gogrial, Tonj, Wau and Aweil East due to increased clashes between clan-based militias. GoSS announced some citizens’ rights will be suspended, while SPLA will be given powers to improve the situation.
At least 18 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in inter-communal clashes between the Apuk and Aguok communities in the Gogrial area, Warrap State.

According to a senior U.N. peacekeeping official, clashes have escalated in the Equatoria and Upper Nile region despite the government-declared unilateral cease-fire.
The Troika and the EU issued a joint statement, warning they will not commit further resources to support the implementation of South Sudan’s peace deal without a “prompt revitalization of an inclusive and credible peace process by IGAD”.
After having completed the necessary verification process, GoSS announced it is endorsing the deployment of the regional protection force.
Reported clashes in Kaka area, Upper Nile State.

GoSS has blocked the website access for South Sudanese users to at least four independent media outlets, including Sudan Tribune, Radio Tamazuj and the news blogs Nyamilepedia and Paanluel Wel. GoSS claim the outlets “disseminate subversive material”
Deutsche Welle, video report “South Sudan’s healers on wheels”

President Salva Kiir ended his two-day visit to Uganda where he held SPLM- reunification consultations with President Yoweri Museveni and some members of the former political detainees. Rebecca Nyandeng later announced she has reconciled with Salva Kiir.
SPLA (IO) accused Uganda of carrying out airstrikes on one of their outposts in Thochdeng, Upper Nile State.

The IGAD Council of Ministers held its 58th Extra-Ordinary Session on the situation in South Sudan. The Council strongly condemned the continued violence and called for a cessation of hostilities and an inclusive negotiation forum to take place in Juba in September.
The SPLA claimed it foiled an alleged attack by opposition forces on an oil field located in Upper Nile State.

Following an Amnesty International report, NGO campaigners urge donor governments to pressure GoSS to end the high level of sexual violence that goes unpunished.

This Week in South Sudan – Week 29