The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) has put the National Dialogue process on hold after the steering committee failed to reach a quorum, as appointed members have not yet reported to duty.
The Guardian: “Juba in the spotlight: ongoing turmoil in the world’s youngest capital”
Tuesday 9 May
Unknown gunmen attacked Taban Deng Gai’s convoy between Juba and Bor, wounding three of his security guards. The vice president was not traveling with the convoy at the time of the attack.
SPLA’s Chief of General Staff, Gen. Paul Malong was unexpectedly dismissed by President Salva Kiir, prompting him to leave Juba for Aweil the same day. His exit caused speculations that he might revolt, however, Malong later said he had no problems with GoSS and returned to Juba on May 13. Malong’s successor, Gen. James Ajongo, was sworn in as the new SPLA Chief of General Staff on 10 May.
People arrested following protests in Juba against the rising cost of living and the on-going civil war. The reported numbers of arrests vary from five to dozens.
South Sudan’s biggest bank, the Kenya-based KCB Group Plc, will temporarily shut down five branches as hyperinflation and a shortage of dollars depletes the group’s profits. Ten branches will remain open.
UN Special Envoy, David Shearer, warns that the deteriorating security situation, especially in the Bor-Pibor area between youths from the Dinka Bor and Murle communities, can worsen the humanitarian situation in the country further.
Seven opposition groups, including Machar’s SPLM (IO) and Cirillo’s National Salvation Front, announced they will cooperate and hold a conference to form “a united front on common strategic and operational issues” in their bid to oust Kiir’s government.
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