This Week in South Sudan – Week 22

Monday 29 May

• General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi from Uganda arrived in South Sudan to assume his position as the new UNMISS Force Commander.
• Alleged clashes between government soldiers and SPLA (IO) in Nasser town, Upper Nile State.

Tuesday 30 May

• The military court prosecution against 13-20 SPLA soldiers commenced in Juba, in what is considered a key test of the government’s ability to try war crimes. The soldiers are accused of murder, rapes and looting during the attack on the Terrain hotel in Juba on July 11, 2016.
• The Vatican announced the planned visit of Pope France to South Sudan has been put on hold due to security concerns.

Wednesday 31 May

• New report published by the Enough Project’s initiative, The Sentry: “Making a Fortune While Making a Famine: The illustrative case of a South Sudanese general”

Thursday 1 June

• Riek Machar called on the UN Security Council to end his exile and the international policy that in effect causes his forced “confinement and detention” in South Africa.
• President Salva Kiir has allegedly relinquished his position as patron of the National Dialogue Process.

Friday 2 June

• 15 children under the age of five died, and another 32 children fell ill in Nachodokopele village, Eastern Equatoria following a mishandled measles vaccination campaign.
• At least 12 civilians were killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen, 20 kilometres east of Yambio town, Western Equatoria.

Monday 5 June

• According to Petroleum Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkouth, Total and Tullow Oil Plc., have asked to renegotiate the development of block B1 and B2 after previous negotiations collapsed in April. The petroleum minister also announced that 30 new oil wells will be drilled in 2017 to boost the country’s oil-output.
• At least 38 people are reported killed and more than 30 injured following inter-communal clashes between the Apuk and Aguok clans in Warrap State.
• South Sudanese judges are still on strike as they continue to push for improved work conditions and the resignation of Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut. The strike was initiated in early May.
• The SPLA (IO) led by Riek Machar downplayed reports of a reported peace deal signed in Yei between the SPLA (IO) and the government, claiming the senior officer who signed the deal was never a member or officer of the SPLA (IO).