This Week in South Sudan – Week 11

Monday 14 March

• The South Sudanese government is allegedly planning to “temporarily” close down many of its embassies abroad due to lack of funding. The government later dismissed these claims, stating they are only reducing the number of embassy staff.

Wednesday 16 March

• The SPLM (IO) announced 23 of their top generals are expected to arrive in Juba on 28 March to prepare for the coming of their leader, Riek Machar.
• The SPLA (IO) accused the government of planning an attack on their positions in Munduri, Western Equatoria State.
• At least seven civilians were killed and four wounded in an ambush on a passenger bus travelling between Koch and Bentiu in Unity State.

Thursday 17 March

• Sudan accused the SPLM of supporting the SPLA-North and is consequently threatening to close its border with South Sudan and deport more than 300,000 South Sudanese students.
• President Salva Kiir approved a request by the SPLA chief of general staff, General Paul Malong Awan, to make a reshuffle in the top command of the army.
• According to a new HSBA report by Small Arms Survey, the attack on the Malakal UN protection site was part of an organized effort by authorities in Upper Nile State to push Shilluk people off the east bank of the White Nile river.

Friday 18 March

• Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Nicholas Haysom of South Africa as the new Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan.
• Radio Tamazuj Podcast: “Luka Biong expects economy to improve with peace”

Saturday 19 March

• The South Sudanese government claimed the government of Sudan intends to abrogate the their cooperation agreement. The two parties later announced they were engaged in negotiations over border tensions linked to security matters, demarcations of their common border, as well as the oil transportation fee.

Sunday 20 March

• One person died and 110 were wounded after fighting broke out at a UN protection of civilian camp in Jebel in Juba. Leaders of the IDPs later accused the government of allegedly instigating the clashes.
• At least 13 people were killed in Lobonok, Central Equatoria State after raid on a Dinka Bor cattle camp by unknown gunmen.