This Week in South Sudan – Week 30

Monday 25 July

• The recent upsurge in fighting in South Sudan, and subsequent refugee influx is overwhelming Ugandan reception centres.

Tuesday 26 July

• President Salva Kiir appointed and swore in Taban Deng Gai as his new first vice president, replacing SPLM (IO) leader Riek Machar. While the UN warned Salva Kiir that new appointments must be consistent with the 2015 peace deal, Riek Machar’s spokesman called on the international community not to engage with, or acknowledge Taban Deng Gai as the new first vice president. The replacement has prompted mixed reactions.
• Al Jazeera: “South Sudan’s displaced face hunger”

Wednesday 27 July

• According to the UN, there has been at least 120 cases of sexual violence and rape against civilians in Juba since renewed fighting erupted three weeks ago.
• The SPLA (IO) claimed that they captured Ngo Baggari County in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, and that 1725 government soldiers had defected to their side.
• The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) claims President Salva Kiir has expressed ‘willingness’ to the deployment of regional forces in a private meeting contrary to his public statements.
• Foreign Affairs: “Two Options for South Sudan: And Neither of Them Is Good”
• The Enough Project: “A Hope from Within? Countering the intentional destruction of governance and transparency in South Sudan”

Thursday 28 July

• Reuters: “Taking the long-view on South Sudan’s crisis”
• Al Jazeera interview with Riek Machar: “New South Sudan VP appointment ‘illegal’”

Friday 29 July

• Founder and editor of Juba Monitor, Alfred Taban was released on bail after being held for two weeks.

Saturday 30 July

• The UN Security Council extended UNMISS’ mission for a brief period until 12 August, while they consider imposing an arms embargo and sending more troops.
• Riek Machar has directed all his ministers in the unity government to boycott cabinet meetings in Juba until the ‘on-going political row’ is contained.
• Al Jazeera: “South Sudan: A country captured by armed factions”

Sunday 31 July

• Heavy fighting has continued in the bushes around Juba, with the SPLA (IO) claiming to be closing in on the capital with the aim to ‘take control’ according to Anadolu Agency/Sudan Tribune. The JMEC Partners Group has called on the South Sudanese parties to stop the hostilities.