Tuesday 6 June

• A U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) official is providing forensic assistance in connection with the ongoing trial related to the Terrain Hotel attack in July 2016. The trial has been adjourned until 20 June.

Wednesday 7 June

• Al Jazeera video-report on Ana Taban artists “Young artists hope art can relieve suffering of war”

Thursday 8 June

• President Salva Kiir decided not to attend the upcoming IGAD extraordinary summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit, attended by IGAD heads of state and government, is expected to discuss the security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
• Financial Times in-depth report on the situation in Bidi Bidi refugee camp: “How the world’s biggest refugee settlement sprang up in Uganda”

Friday 9 June

• The South Sudan Media Authority banned at least 20 foreign journalists from South Sudan for “unsubstantiated and unrealistic stories”; the decision was met with heavy
• SPLA (IO) claim responsibility for a convoy attack along the Juba-Nimule highway when 14 people died.
• Op-ed by AP journalist, Justin Lynch in Slate: “In South Sudan, Fake News Has Deadly Consequences; Misinformation can fuel bloodshed”

Sunday 11 June

• Al Jazeera, video-report on child soldiers “Concerns as thousands of South Sudan children used as fighters”

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).

Monday 22 May

• The Guardian op-ed by Payton Knopf, former coordinator of the UN Panel of Experts on South Sudan: “If Trump does nothing, 50% of South Sudan’s population could soon be gone”
• President Salva Kiir declared a unilateral ceasefire and promised to release political prisoners. However, such a ceasefire is unlikely to hold without a new political peace agreement, and the UN, USA and Britain were critical to the initiative and noted that fighting continued in Yei.

Tuesday 23 May

• Clashes reported in Ayaci county, Eastern Equatoria state, and in Yei, Central Equatoria State, despite the Government of South Sudan’s declared ceasefire the previous day.

Wednesday 24 May

• Similar to the KCB Group, Kenya’s Equity Bank Group has closed seven of its 12 branches in South Sudan because of hyperinflation, a weakened local currency and a general economic downturn.
• Salva Kiir dismissed the governor of Aweil, Ronald Ruay Deng. Deng is a close ally of the recently replaced SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong Awan.

Thursday 25 May

• In an attempt to end the inter-communal tensions and violence, Bor and Murle communities from Jonglei and Boma states signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in Juba.

Friday 26 May

• Following a funding crisis, the UN cut food rations from 12 to 6 kg maize a month in refugee camps in northern Uganda. Subsequently hunger stricken South Sudanese refugees stole food from people living in the area. Camp authorities fear clashes and violence if the reduced food rationing continues.
• South Sudanese authorities released a UN-Miraya FM journalist, George Livio after him being detained without charge since August 2014.
• Uganda conveyed a SPLM factions meeting in Kampala between the SPLM (in government), the SPLM (IO) faction led by Taban Deng Gai and the SPLM-Former Political Detainees (FD). Machar’s SPLM (IO) faction was not included. The meeting was unsuccessful in fostering a SPLM-reunification. The SPLM (FD) stated that proposed agreement was not inclusive and declined to sign.

Saturday 27 May

• The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force contingent deployed as part of UNMISS have all returned to Japan, ending Japan’s five-year mission in South Sudan.

Sunday 28 May

• The Court of Appeal in South Sudan has ruled as “unconstitutional” a controversial South Sudan National Security Service (NSS) wiretapping system.

Monday 15 May

• UN agencies increased their 2017 appeal for South Sudan to US $1.4 billion in order address what has become the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis.
• The UN Security Council (UNSC) reduced the UN Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and warned it may withdraw its support to the Joint Border Verification & Monitoring Mechanism force.

Tuesday 16 May

• President Salva Kiir has issued several decrees creating major leadership and structural changes within the SPLA; the army will be restructured into three separate forces – a ground force, an air force and navy units.
• Deputy Minister of Labour and Public Service, David Yau Yau called on President Kiir to reshuffle his cabinet, and appoint new leaders.

Wednesday 17 May

• Reported clashes between government and opposition forces in Yei, Central Equatoria State.

Thursday 18 May

• President Kiir announced the National Dialogue will start on 22 May, despite missing commitments from key opposition figures.
• CNN in-depth: “Faced with slaughter they fled, now their safe haven teeters on the brink”

Friday 19 May

• According to UN human rights investigators’ report, pro-government forces killed at least 114 civilians in and around Yei town between July 2016 and January 2017, in addition to uncounted rape, torture and looting incidents. The SPLA dismissed the report as “baseless”.
• President Kiir and former army chief Paul Malong held reconciliation talks in Juba.
• Clashes between government and opposition forces reported in Wunkur area, Unity State.
• Riek Machars wife, Angelina Teny, has not been appointed as acting chairperson of SPLM (IO) as rumoured on social media.

 Monday 8 May

• 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.

Friday 12 May

• GoSS have opened about 30 shops in Juba selling staple foods at discount prices as the famine-affected country faces inflation in excess of 400 percent.
• 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.
• SPLA (IO) admits losing control of Kaka town, Upper Nile State.
• 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.

Saturday 13 May

• President Salva Kiir has appointed Gen. Lual Wek Guem to be the new commander of the presidential guard.
• 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.

 Wednesday 3 May

• President Salva Kiir plans to tour the country in an attempt to mobilise popular support for the national dialogue process.
• South Sudan Judges and Justices declared a nationwide strike after negotiations with the government failed. The strikers demand better working conditions and the Chief Justice’s resignation.
• Pulitzer Price: “Millions Are on the Brink of War-Driven Starvation in South Sudan”

Thursday 4 May

• The executive director of the Unity Cultural and Development Center, a NGO in Wau, has been detained for two weeks by security officials without a provided reason.

Friday 5 May

• An attack by unknown assailants on a UN operating base in the town of Leer was repelled by Ghanaian peacekeeper. The SPLA later denied rumours that government soldiers were behind the attack.
• Alleged clashes reported between SPLA (IO) and government forces in Tonga town, Mangok and Guelguk, Upper Nile State, and Dollo, Central Equatoria State.
• The Government of South Sudan has increased registration and licensing fees for NGOs despite criticism against similar proposals in the past. The new order, effective immediately, raises the fees for international NGOs from $600 to $3,500, and for local groups from $450 to $500.

Saturday 6 May

• 30 people are reported killed following a road ambush on the Juba-Bor road near Gameza, Central Equatoria State. Survivors blame both the Mundari and Murle group of the attack.

Sunday 7 May

• UNMISS has deployed peacekeeping troops to Aburoc, Upper Nile State to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Monday 24 April

• The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) is ready to reopen negotiations for drilling rights to oil blocks B1 and B2, after talks with Total, Tullow Oil and the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company broke down.
• Security service officials have advised Salva Kiir to remove and replace the Chief Justice, Chan Reec Madut. South Sudanese judges and justices called off their proposed strike shortly after.

Tuesday 25 April

• S. Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, repeated her call to the Security Council to increase targeted sanctions and impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, as the warring parties lack ‘the political will to end the conflict’ themselves.
• Sudanese intelligence officials accused Salva Kiir of allegedly holding a closed-door meeting with the SPLM-N rebel movement in Juba.
• Salva Kiir issues a new presidential decree appointing members to the National Dialogue Committee. Several members were appointed without prior consultation, including Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior.
• The Washington Post: “Smugglers become a lifeline for the starving in South Sudan”

Wednesday 26 April

• GoSS claim they have secured a USD $58 million grant and $48 million grant from the World Bank and African Development Bank The World Bank is distancing itself from these reports, claiming a donation to UN aid agencies in South Sudan, worth $50 million, is pending approval.
• South Sudan and Turkey have signed a trade and economic cooperation agreement.

Thursday 27 April  

• The displaced population in and around Aburoc is likely to hit 50,000 following clashes in Kodok, Upper Nile State. The security situation has forced aid agencies to evacuate the area.
• During a plenary meeting, The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) admitted that the security situation in the country has collapsed.

Monday 1 May

• An advance team of the Regional Protection Force arrived in Juba to prepare for the deployment of the 4,000-strong force. Regional troops from Rwanda are expected to arrive in June and July.
• GoSS’ Media Authority suspended local operations of the Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera in Juba following a recent report on the SPLA (IO) and the situation in Kajo Keji.
• The SPLA (IO) rejects declaring a unilateral ceasefire.
• The Political Opposition Forces issues a press release outlining conditions for an inclusive national dialogue process.

Tuesday 2 May

• Several dozen British troops have arrived in Juba to provide engineering and medical support to UNMISS.
• Pulitzer Center: “South Sudan’s Civil War Spirals into Genocide, Leaving Ghost Towns in its Wake”

Tuesday 18 April

• Inflation is increasing rapidly as the South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) depreciated further against the US Dollars (USD) in the black market, hitting a new low at USD$1 to 162 SSP, from $1 to 145 SSP the week before.

Wednesday 19 April

• 16 MONUSCO staff were briefly held hostage by unarmed South Sudanese refugees in the Munigi base in eastern DRC. The refugees, most of which are former SPLA (IO) fighters, demanded to be sent to a third country in order to avoid forced return to South Sudan.
• Bloomberg, refugee stories from Leer, Unity State: “Famine-Stricken South Sudanese Hide in Swamps to Escape War”

Thursday 20 April  

• Due to security concerns, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reduced staff in Wau, and will operate only by helicopter in some locations in Greater Upper Nile Region.
• The SPLA (IO) admits losing control of Waat town, Jonglei State.
• Voice of America: “South Sudan Chaos Impedes Humanitarian Aid Work”

Friday 21 April

• The South Sudan Human Rights Observatory Group are overwhelmed with photos and witness testimonies documenting the attack by alleged government soldiers on Pajok during the first week of April. Meanwhile, ensuring accountability for war abuses remains one of biggest challenges for UNMISS.
• Local farmers in Maridi state in Western Equatoria, accused the SPLA of land grabbing.

Sunday 23 April

• South Sudanese judges calls for a strike, demanding improved working-conditions and the resignation of Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut.
• Heavy deployment of police and military forces in Juba ahead of planned judge strike and amidst increased tensions due to the deteriorating economy and unpaid salaries.

Tuesday 12 April

• Sudan, in collaboration with the World Food Program and the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), has opened a second humanitarian corridor between El Obeid in Sudan and Bentiu in South Sudan.
• Aly Verjee in African Arguments: “Why calling for a ceasefire in South Sudan can be a bad idea”

Wednesday 13 April

• The U.K. secretary of state for international development, Priti Patel, claimed the violence in South Sudan amounts to genocide along ‘tribal lines.’ GoSS criticized the statement as ‘unfortunate and misleading.’ Meanwhile, a joint press release by The Political Opposition Forces – the six main oppositions groups, called on world leaders to recognize and condemn ‘the genocidal actions by Kiir’s regime.’
• First Vice President Taban Deng met with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in South Sudan.

Thursday 14 April  

• Earlier in the week, on Monday 10 April, three World Food Program workers were killed during the fighting between government forces and the SPLA (IO) near Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Friday 15 April

• At least 15 people were killed in clashes between government forces and the SPLA (IO) in Raga, Western Bahr el Ghazal. Skirmishes have also been reported in other areas in the Greater Upper Nile region (Yuai, Waat and Wunkur and Tonga).
• Deutsche Welle present stories from refugees in Kenya: “Manuela – fleeing South Sudan”

Saturday 16 April

• According to Radio Tamazuj, at least 40 church leaders have been killed across South Sudan between December 2013 and March 2017.
• The Guardian: “How factions in South Sudan’s war took shape on British campuses”

Sunday 17 April

• During his visit to Ganyiel, Unity State, US Senator Christopher Coons promised to push for continued assistance to South Sudan, despite proposals to severely cut American foreign aid.
• Japan started to withdraw its’ UNMISS contingent as the first group of soldiers left the country.