The Government of South Sudan (GOSS) announced that despite their acceptance of the additional UN peacekeeping force, important details of the troop deployment still needs to be worked out, such as the exact number and the nationality of UN peacekeepers.
Voice of America: “Some South Sudanese Want Restrictions on Troop Deployment”
Tuesday 6 September
Foreign Policy: “Dinner, Drinks, and a Near-Fatal Ambush for U.S. Diplomats”
Wednesday 7 September
Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Donald Booth, stated that Riek Machar should no longer try to return to his previous position in Juba. While Princeton N. Lyman, senior advisor to the U.S. President described the idea to cut off Machar from GOSS as an “illusion.” The SPLM (IO) later dismissed US government remarks, suggesting Machar’s absence is hampering the peace process.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission secretariat (JMEC) returned to South Sudan after weeks of temporarily operating from Ethiopia.
SPLA and SPLA (IO) clashed in Nasir town, Upper Nile State, according to a government source.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that humanitarian aid has been denied access in parts of South Sudan.
The Enough Project: “Testimony of Brian Adeba – ‘The Growing Crisis in South Sudan’”
A South Sudanese delegation led by the First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai, held talks with Ethiopian Prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, in Adddis Ababa, on a range of bilateral and regional issues.
GOSS denied responsibility for the death of a civil society activist, Emmanuel Wani, who reportedly was killed in Juba by government operatives. The incident comes shortly after UNMISS condemned the harassment of activists who met with the UN Security Council delegation while in Juba.
South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, said GOSS plans to establish a new oil facility in Palouch, Unity State in October.
Al Jazeera: “The UN has failed its peacekeepers in South Sudan”
The Washington Post: “Israel’s role in South Sudan under scrutiny amid violence”
Monday 12 September
According to MONUSCO, the flight of more than 750 SPLA (IO) fighters and supporters to the DRC can pose a regional security threat if not properly handled.
A new report by the Sentry reveals how South Sudan’s wealth and revenues are diverted towards the personal and institutional interests of elites. International media reports on the findings:
The Washington Post: “George Clooney and John Prendergast: War crimes shouldn’t pay in South Sudan”
Foreign Policy: “South Sudan’s Leaders Made War — and Many Millions of Dollars”
The Guardian: “George Clooney-backed report: South Sudan president profits from civil war”
Bloomberg: “Saving South Sudan From Its Founding Fathers”
BBC: “South Sudan’s Kiir and Machar profited during war – report”
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta urged South Sudan’s leaders to implement the August 2015 peace deal and stabilize the country during his one-day visit to Juba.
The UN Humanitarian Aviation Services (UNHAS) was forbidden to deliver medical supplies after the Government of South Sudanese (GOSS) imposed a new control on transport of medicines within the country.
SPLM (IO) spokesman, James Gatdet Dak, claimed in a recent interview that peace in South Sudan is impossible as long as Salva Kiir remains the president.
Wednesday 31 August
At least 60 SPLA soldiers have been tried before a court martial for alleged crimes committed during the July fighting in Juba, according to a SPLA spokesperson.
President Salva Kiir said the August 2015 peace agreement was imposed on him, and that difficulties in its implementation were therefor not surprising.
South Sudanese rival forces reportedly clashed on the Juba-Torit road, between Torit and Liria in Eastern and Central Equatoria states.
Sunday 4 September
The UN Security Council arrived in Juba on 2 September to discuss the new regional protection force. Following several meetings with various actors, the 15-member council secured GOSS’ consent to deploy 4,000 additional UN peacekeepers.
South Sudan’s new First Vice President (FVP), Taban Deng Gai, met with Sudanese senior officials and President Omar al-Bashir to discuss outstanding issues following the 2011 independence during his first official trip to Khartoum. The parties later reached an agreement over security, border issues, and transitional financial arrangements.
US Secretary of State, John Kerry called for a speedy deployment of the newly approved regional protection force, while simultaneously threatening to cut US aid if the warring parties fails to halt the spiralling violence. He also claimed the appointment of FVP Taban Deng Gai was “legal” under the provisions of the 2015 peace agreement.
Tuesday 23 August
Government sources allege that about 275 people were killed, during clashes in the town of town of Pajut, Jonglei state last week.
Wednesday 24 August
SPLM (IO) leader, Riek Machar is said to have arrived in Khartoum for medical treatment after an agreement with the UN, according to Sudanese officials.
Reportedly, armed and unarmed opposition groups and political parties had a three-day opposition meeting in Nairobi.
Thursday 25 August
The South Sudanese cabinet has proposed a SSP 29.6 Bn. budget for the 2016/2017 financial year, amounting to a 187 per cent rise from last years budget.
The Guardian: “’We just want to live’ – on the road with South Sudan’s refugees”
Friday 26 August
The Government of South Sudan is seeking assurance from other regional countries that Riek Machar, will be unable to use their respective territories to stage hostile activities.
Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny denied US Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement that the Government of South Sudan had accepted the deployment of 4,000 regional troops in Juba.
Saturday 27 August
Al Jazeera Inside Story: “When will peace come to South Sudan?”
Al Jazeera: “One year after peace deal, South Sudan ‘worse off’”
Sunday 28 August
The chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), Festus Mogae, said he and other diplomats support the disputed appointment of the new FVP Taban Deng Gai, because they “don’t have an option.”
IGAD said Riek Machar must ‘reclaim’ his position in the transitional unity government in the country as the legitimate First Vice President. Simultaneously, the regional body has signaled recognizing Taban Deng Gai as the First Vice President, saying he is “naturally accommodated” by provisions in the Agreement to Resolve Conflict In Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS).
Monday 29 August
The Government of South Sudan seeks USD $300 million in external support through aid and loans in order to support its next budget.
Foreign Policy: “S. Congressman to South Sudan: Implement Zero Tolerance on Rape or Face the Consequences”
At least 10 soldiers were reported killed and several others injured after South Sudan’s rival forces clashed in Leer county, Unity State.
At least 1100 soldiers have reportedly defected from South Sudan People Patriotic Front (SSPF) in Western Equatoria State, and joined Gabriel Changson Chang’s South Sudan Army Forces/ Federal Democratic Party (SSAF/FDP).
* Due to reduced capacity we are only publishing a abbreviated version this week
The government of South Sudan (GOSS) is seeking a US$1.9 billion loan from China to develop its oilfields and roads, as the inflation rate, which exceeded 660 per cent last month, continues to increase.
SPLA and SPLA (IO) forces clashed around Yei, Central Equatoria State. Clashes have also been reported by the SPLA (IO) around Renk, Nasir and Maban areas, Upper Nile State, and around Raga in Western Bahr el Ghazal state.
SPLM spokesperson said the return of the ousted First Vice President, (FVP) Riek Machar, to his position, is at the mercy of Taban Deng Gai who replaced him.
According to the Minister of Finance, Stephen Dhieu, government spending for all goods and services has been halted until the next budget is passed.
The Guardian: “’Untold devastation’ in South Sudan triggers grave humanitarian crisis”
The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) echoed IGAD’s call for the new FVP, Taban Deng Gai, to step down so that Riek Machar can be reinstated upon his return to Juba.
Small Arms Survey: “Prospects for a UN Arms Embargo on South Sudan: A Response to HSBA Issue Brief 24”
Friday 12 August
The UN Security Council approved the deployment of an additional 4,000-strong peacekeeping force in South Sudan, despite GOSS’ objections. The Regional Protection Force has a more robust mandate than UNMISS, and will be deployed in Juba. The resolution also threatens a possible arms embargo if GOSS does not cooperate. GOSS has said it might be willing to accept the force if it can negotiate its size, mandate, weapons and members. International media reports on the new development:
The New York Times: “N. bolsters peacekeeping in South Sudan despite government’s objections”
Bloomberg“UN Security Council backs more troops to halt war in South Sudan”
Al Jazeera: “UN approves new peacekeeping force to South Sudan”
Reuters: “N. approves 4,000 more troops to secure peace in South Sudan capital
BBC: “UN okays Juba troop deployment as South Sudan objects”
The South Sudanese cabinet approved the establishment of cantonment sites and integration of SPLA (IO) members who have switched allegiance to the newly appointed FVP, Taban Deng Gai. The SPLM (IO) loyal to Riek Machar, claim the resolution is a “self-deception” as the new FVP has “no army to integrate”.
At least 46 people were killed, including the Mayendit County Commissioner, and 30 others injured in an attack by gunmen in the Rubkuai area in Unity State.
Al Jazeera: “Thousands of South Sudanese flee fighting for Uganda”
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) warned that further deterioration of the security situation in South Sudan could lead to the cessation of oil production, practically the only source of government revenue.
Tuesday 2 August
Lam Akol, agriculture minister and the leader of SPLM-Democratic Change resigned, stating the August 2015 peace deal is dead.
Government spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth threatened to deny JMECs entry into South Sudan, and to expel the entity altogether unless they reopen their office in Juba.
Over one hundred UN workers were reportedly denied entry or deported at the Juba International Airport due to new regulations issued by the Directorate of Immigration. The ministry of foreign affairs later denied these claims.
SPLM’s former secretary-general, Pagan Amum has formed an advocacy group seeking to bring South Sudan under the administration of the UN.
Wednesday 3 August
President Salva Kiir dismissed six ministers allied to Riek Machar. These were the ministers of the interior, petroleum, higher education, labour, water, as well as lands and housing. New ministers have been appointed all linked to Vice President Taban Deng Gai. James Gatdet Dak, Riek Machar’s spokesperson, stated that President Kiir’s decision is illegal.
South Sudan’s warring factions traded accusations over recent attacks in Leer county, Unity State.
Sudan’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Obaidallah Mohamed Obaidallah, said the appointment of Taban Deng Gai as South Sudan’s First Vice President is inconsistent with the 2015 August peace deal.
Thursday 4 August
The New York Times: “Wrenching Choice in South Sudan: Starve or Risk Rape”
Friday 5 August
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, accused South Sudanese forces of ethnically targeted atrocities, including extrajudicial executions and rapes, during the renewed fighting this past month.
A UN board of inquiry has found that UNMISS failed to properly manage the attack on the Malakal protection site in February, resulting in the death of 30 people and 123 injured.
Sunday 7 August
South Sudan’s government has said it accepts “in principle” the deployment of a Regional Protection Force, following an IGAD summit meeting in Ethiopia. The US proposed that the UN Security Council approve a 4,000-strong regional force that reports to the UNMISS commander.
Radio Tamazuj: “Key questions after the IGAD summit on South Sudan”
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.
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”
IGAD calls for full demilitarization of Juba, demanding the withdrawal of SPLA and SPLA (IO) rival forces.
Alleged clashes between government forces and the SPLA (IO) in Leer county, Unity State.
Tuesday 19 July
China National Petroleum Corp. evacuated 191 employees, leaving 77 people to try to maintain normal operation.
The African Union has approved plans to deploy regional troops, with a more robust mandate, to South Sudan to help reinforce UNMISS’ operations. Both the SPLM and the SPLM (IO) rejected the plan, while a SPLA spokesperson said its forces will fight regional troops if they enter South Sudan.
The SPLA has vowed to carry out a military offensive against the Lou-Nuer inhabited areas of eastern Jonglei State. The statement is made in response to unconfirmed reports suggesting mobilization of some ‘white army’ fighters in the Yuai area.
The Guardian: “Violence, fear and looting grip South Sudan’s capital Juba”
Wednesday 20 July
At least 500 people are now thought to have been killed in Juba after the recent fighting.
A UN rights expert demanded the immediate release of Alfred Taban, founder and editor of Juba Monitor, who was detained last week.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it is sending its special envoy for Africa to help with the efforts to resolve South Sudan crisis.
Hundreds of troops loyal to the defected SPLA (IO) General Dau Aturjong Nyuol have allegedly joined the SPLA in Northern Bahr al Ghaza State.
The UN has banned 12 police officers from Britain, Germany and Sweden from returning to UNMISS after they left during recent fighting without consulting mission chiefs.
Following the recent clashes, hundreds of displaced civilians are struggling to find proper shelter in U.N. compounds in Juba as the rainy season begins to set in.
A SPLM (IO) split has emerged. A faction of the group has temporarily replaced Riek Machar as vice-president with Taban Deng Gai, SPLM (IO)’s former chief negotiator, as Machar failed to return to Juba within President Salva Kiirs 23 July deadline. Machar however, rejected the move as a “conspiracy” to overthrow him, adding that he fired Taban Deng Gai as Minister of Mining on 22 July. The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) later criticized the nomination of Taban Deng Gai as “illegitimate.”
The humanitarian situation in Juba is dire and continues to deteriorate. Hospitals have been shelled and food supplies are low. Tens of thousands of people have taken refuge in churches, and many more have been displaced.
Russia said it is willing to consider imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan and that sending more troops could help stabilise the country.
Uganda will only send troops to South Sudan if requested by mediators since previous deployment in the country was severely criticised.
Fresh fighting erupted Tuesday morning south of Wau town between SPLA (IO) forces and government soldiers.
SPLM (IO) spokesperson claims that Riek Machar’s residence was bombed and destroyed during the Juba clashes.
The Guardian: “South Sudan: is the renewed violence the restart of civil war?”
Radio Tamazuj In Pictures: “Citizens take shelter at UN House base”
Wednesday 13 July
A tenuous ceasefire appears to be holding in Juba, after five days of heavy fighting. The ceasefire was declared by Vice-president Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir on Monday 11 July.
SPLM (IO) spokesperson reports that Vice-president Riek Machar has withdrawn with his troops to outside of Juba, but stressing he is not planning for war.
The U.S. military has deployed about 40 soldiers to Juba to safeguard the U.S. Embassy and help carry out a State Department order for non-essential personnel to leave the country.
The UN is ready to work with IGAD to refine the group’s proposal for an intervention force within the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.
The SPLA (IO) has demanded that their full complement of troops allowed under the security arrangements deal should be brought to Juba.
Clashes between the SPLA and SPLA (IO) broke out in Leer town, Unity state.
The New York Times: “What Can the United Nations Do When its Troops Can’t, or Won’t, Protect Civilians?”
Thursday 14 July
Vice-president Riek Machar urges UN to establish “buffer zone” between his forces and those of the government.
The renewed fighting and tension in Juba is set to dominate the African Union summit that starts in the Rwandan capital of Kigali on 17 July.
South Sudanese security personnel shut down the operations of the independent newspaper, the Juba Monitor, and arrested Alfred Taban, the editor in chief, after he called on Vice-president Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir to step down.
According to state officials, the local government in the proposed Gbudwe State in Western Equatoria State, is reportedly training over 800 youth from various armed groups.
Wednesday 6 July
Authorities in Jonglei state said that thousands of people have fled their homes after a land dispute escalated into violent clashes.
A government investigation committee started questioning military commanders in Wau town over the recent violence in the area.
Al Jazeera: “South Sudan: The 3-year-old victim of renewed fighting”
Heavy mortar shelling and sporadic gunfire erupted in the south of Wau town, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee.
Friday 8 July
The head of UNESCO South Sudan, Salah Khaled, was shot near the Egyptian Embassy in Juba.
Clashes first broke out in Juba on Thursday and Friday, and continued on Sunday after a lull on South Sudan’s Independence Day, Saturday 9 July. International media reports on the escalation of violence and tense situation in Juba:
Al Jazeera: “South Sudan fighting: Gunfire erupts again in Juba”
CNN Broadcast News: “South Sudan: U.S. evacuates embassy staff amid ‘sudden and serious’ fighting”
Reuters: “Fighting flares again in South Sudan capital after U.N. demand for restraint”
BBC: “South Sudan ‘back to war’, says VP Riek Machar’s spokesman”