Tuesday 3 April

• The government of Uganda will pay the remaining $41 million that the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) owes to ten Ugandan companies for their provision of maize and sorghum between 2008-2010.

Wednesday 4 April

• Salva Kiir has pledged to concede defeat should he lose the upcoming election.

Thursday 5 April

• The ministers of Water Resources and Electricity in Sudan and South Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on water resources.
• A delegation from the AU Peace and Security Council will visit Juba from 15-19 April, with the aim of addressing the situation in South Sudan.

Friday 6 April

• The CPJ has called on the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries to implement recent sanctions imposed by the US.

Saturday 7 April

• The Government of Sudan has blamed the GoSS for supporting Sudanese rebels. The GoSS denies this.

Sunday 8 April

• The SPLM has scheduled a meeting in Juba on April 19 to reunite the movement.

Tuesday 27 March

• The President of the United States, Donald Trump, issued a “Notice Regarding the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to South Sudan”. This has been renewed on an annual basis since 2014 and opens for US sanctions against South Sudan.
• Unknown gunmen shot and killed a senior SPLA officer, Colonel John Malou in his home in Juba.

Wednesday 28 March

• Gabriel Tap, Member of Parliament loyal to Taban Deng has defected and joined the SPLM-IO led by Riek Machar.

Saturday 31 March

• The transitional period postulated in the August 2015 peace agreement between GoSS and SPLM-IO ends in August. If the parties fails to reach a peace settlement, GoSS has stated it will hold national elections.
• Sudan and South Sudan recently completed the demarcation of two border crossing corridors. However, the Joda crossing point has reportedly been closed since 28 March.

Sunday 1 April

• SPLM-IO has requested the release of Riek Machar who has been in house arrest in South Africa since late 2016. IGAD stated that if Machar renounces violence he should be allowed to move to any country that does not border South Sudan. This statement allegedly sparked clashes between the SPLA and SPLA-IO near the Ugandan border.

Monday 2 April

• Fighting was renewed between the SPLA and SPLA-IO in the Upper Nile and Jonglei region. The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism warned the warring parties that violators of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities  will be held accountable.
• The SPLM faction of Former Political Detainees has joined the opposition alliance, while some of its members remain in Juba.

Tuesday 20. March

• The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) protested against last week’s decision by the UN Security Council to renew UNMISS’ mandate, saying they were not consulted on the matter.
• GoSS has suspended Vivacell’s licence, one of the largest telecommunication companies in the country, for failing to comply with government regulations.
• Former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong Awan met with high-ranking Sudanese officials in Khartoum. No official statement was made as to the purpose of the meetings.
• 600 former SPLA (IO) soldiers are undergoing intensive military training in Morobo County in Central Equatoria. The forces will be integrated into the SPLA after completion.
• Al Jazeera: “South Sudan: Drought and War Devastating Economy”

Wednesday 21. March

• The US imposed sanctions on 15 South Sudanese oil firms in an attempt to promote peace and reduce GoSS’ capacity to wage war. The Ministry of Petroleum says the sanctions are counterproductive.

Thursday 22. March

• South Sudanese security operatives arrested Mark Mabil, an official at the state-owned oil company Nile Petroleum Corporation (NilPet). Mabil is accused of leaking confidential documents. The arrest follows a recent investigative report by Global Witness “Capture on the Nile” that accused GoSS of using NilePet revenue to fuel the on-going conflict.
• The SPLA and SPLA (IO) traded accusations over reported clashes in several areas in Upper Nile and in Central Equatoria.

Saturday 24. March

• The UN Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan’s mandate was renewed for another year.

Monday 26. March

• Local South Sudanese authorities hindered the AU Technical Committee for Border Demarcation in identifying the “Zero Line” of the Sudan-South Sudan border in Upper Nile.

Tuesday 13 March

• Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, a former undersecretary in the finance ministry, has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance following President Salva Kiir’s dismissal of Stephen Dhieu Dau.
  • Radio Tamazuj: “Profile: South Sudan’s new finance minister Salvatore Garang”
• At least 16 people were killed during inter-communal clashes in Jalwau, Warrap State, between youth from Jalwau County and northern Rumbek.
• The Guardian, in pictures: “South Sudan’s Dinka people”
• Al Jazeera reports from Pagak, Upper Nile State: “South Sudan refugees return to devastated town”

Wednesday 14 March

• President Salva Kiir admitted GoSS has run out of cash due to the on-going conflict.
• Foreign Affairs: “The Key to Making Peace in Africa; Fighting Corruption Can Help End Conflict”

Thursday 15 March

• The UN Security Council renewed UNMISS’ mandate for another year and threatened an arms embargo if the fighting continues.
• South Sudan’s National Dialogue is set to conclude in June.
• Institute for Security Studies, ISS Today: “Is justice possible during South Sudan’s civil war?”

Friday 16 March

• Former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong visited Khartoum, sparking social media speculations about the exact cause and objective behind the visit.

Monday 19 March

• IGAD’s Council of Ministers will meet on 26 March to evaluate the recent peace talks and propose a way forward.
• Reuters: ”Cows in the classroom: inside South Sudan’s cattle camp schools”
• AFP: ”Living across the front lines in South Sudan”

 Tuesday 6 March

• The New York Times op-ed on the on-going food crisis: “Famine Stalks South Sudan”

Wednesday 7 March

• According to a GoSS representative, South Sudan has formally applied for observer status in the Arab League, a 22-nation regional organization.

Friday 9 March

• GoSS has suspended the operations of Radio Miraya, owned by UNMISS, for failing to comply with media laws.

Monday 12 March

• President Salva Kiir has reportedly fired the Minister of Finance, Stephen Dhieu.
• The foreign minister of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, met with GoSS representatives in Juba. The official visit aimed to boost bilateral cooperation, and discuss several regional matters.
• The European Union say is it ready to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the warring parties’ lack of commitment towards the peace process continues.
• African Arguments op-ed: “South Sudan: Buying off elites to stop fighting won’t work. Here’s what might”
• Al Jazeera: “South Sudan amputees: Lack of healthcare spurs infections”

Tuesday 27 February

• At least 21 people were killed and 20 others wounded in inter-communal clashes between members of the Thiik and Jalwau sub-clans in Tonj area, Warrap State.
• The Government of Kenya denied allegations that it has smuggled large quantities of weapons and ammunition into South Sudan.

Wednesday 28 February

• South Sudanese lawmakers are threatening to shut down The DAR Petroleum Operating Company’s production, accusing the consortium of dumping expired chemicals in the bush. DPOC runs the country’s last working oilfields in blocks 3 and 7 near the borders of Sudan and Ethiopia.
• Reported clashes between SPLA (IO) and government forces along the Yei-Maridi road, Central Equatoria State and in the Muodit area, Jonglei State.
• Reuters, on access to education in South Sudan “School restarts in South Sudan, in theory”

Thursday 1 March

• GoSS accused the EU and the Troika – the United States, the UK and Norway – of “being in the driver’s seat” controlling the negotiations facilitated by the IGAD high-level forum in Addis Ababa.
• Nine South Sudanese opposition groups have formed an alliance to accelerate efforts to end the on-going conflict. The coalition does not include SPLM (IO) or the SPLM Former Detainees.

Monday 5 March

• SPLA (IO) deny claims they have recruited refugees in a camp in the neighbouring Gambella region of Ethiopia.
• New report by The Sentry on corruption in the oil sector in South Sudan: “Fueling Atrocities; Oil and War in South Sudan”

Tuesday 20 February

• The President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said he wants to enhance security and stability in South Sudan, after meeting with a GoSS representative.

Wednesday 21 February

• The Kenyan foreign ministry advise Kenyans against travelling to several areas in South Sudan.

Friday 23 February

• A new UN report identified more than 40 South Sudanese officials, including military generals and state governors, who may be responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report calls on the AU to take immediate steps to establish a Hybrid Court to prosecute the responsible perpetrators.
• The members of the Troika, the US, UK, and Norway, condemned the breaking up of a youth leader’s meeting in Juba discussing the latest peace talks in Addis Ababa.

Saturday 24 February

• Rival factions traded accusations over mobilization for military offensives.

Monday 26 February

• UNMISS has recalled a Ghanaian police unit working in one of its protection camps in Wau, while it investigates allegations of sexual abuse against women.
• According to a new UN/GoSS survey, between May and July famine can return to parts of South Sudan.
• Civil society representatives criticise Petroleum Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth after he described the South Sudanese economy as “booming” during a BBC HARDtalk interview.

Tuesday 6 February

• Hundreds of pro-government supporters protested against the newly announced US arms embargo outside the U.S. embassy and U.N. headquarters in Juba. Two journalists were beaten during the protest.

Wednesday 7 February

• According to South Sudan’s Human Rights Commission’s latest report, national security officials continue to sexually assault and arbitrarily arrest civilians across the country.
• At least six people were killed and 17 others wounded in inter-communal clashes in Warrap State between the Yar and Tonj communities.

Thursday 8 February

• According to the UN, 311 child soldiers, including 87 girls, were formally disarmed and released by the SPLA and SPLA (IO) in Yambio, Western Equatoria State. The move sparks hope, even though recruitment of child soldiers is still rising in South Sudan.
  • The Guardian: “South Sudan’s child soldiers – in pictures”
  • The Telegraph: “Freed South Sudan child soldiers recall capture by rebels: ‘I didn’t want to join … it was hopeless’
• At least 15 people were killed and several others wounded in inter-communal clashes in the Kolynyang area, Jonglei State.
• The Washington Post op-ed: “An arms embargo against South Sudan comes better late than never”

Monday 12 February

• SPLM (IO) spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak, was sentenced to death in Juba on charges of treason and incitement against the government.
• Reported clashes between SPLA and SPLA (IO) in and around Nasir, Upper Nile State, and Koch county, Unity State.

Tuesday 13 February

• The Government of Sudan opened a border point for trade with South Sudan for the first time since the latter gained its independence in 2011.
• Local authorities in Bor, Jonglei State, demolished numerous houses to make way for new roads, forcefully displacing hundreds of residents.
• Former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong, has asked IGAD to be included in the ongoing peace talks in Addis Ababa.
• Reuters: “In South Sudan, civil war drives more children onto the streets, into work”

Thursday 15 February

• The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, resigned as the chairman of the IGAD amid the on-going IGAD-led peace talks in Addis Ababa.

Friday 16 February

• IGAD adjourned the High Level Revitalization Forum for three weeks. The second phase of the peace talks has been interrupted by several boycotts and objections by the participating factions. Meanwhile, peace activist are criticizing the talks for focusing too much on the division of government power and positions, and not addressing the root causes of the conflict.
• Reported clashes between two different opposition groups, one loyal to National Salvation Front (NAS) and the other to SPLA (IO).
• At least 10 people were killed and 32 wounded in inter-communal clashes in Lakes State between the Manuer and Gak communities.
• The Economist explains “How the international community has failed South Sudan”

Monday 19 February

• The SPLA (IO) released two Kenyan pilots after receiving a compensation payment. The pilots have been held captive since early January when their plane crashed and killed a civilian in Akobo, Upper Nile State.
• The Nyara and Biong communities in Jonglei State have signed an agreement to end the conflict over grazing land that has claimed 37 lives in the past two months.

Wednesday 31 January

• SPLM/A (IO) leader, Riek Machar unveiled a position paper for the second round of the High-Level Revitalization Forum, demanding a transitional unity government for 27 months. GoSS, on the other hand, declined to announce their position prior to the negotiations.
• The Government of South Africa and GoSS signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, including joint military exercises, training and capacity building.

Friday 2 February

• The United States has banned the export of weapons and defense services to South Sudan. It is largely a symbolic move since the US does not sell weapons to the South Sudan. The US urges other states to follow suit.
• Clashes reported south of Bentiu, Unity State, and in Nyirol East County, Jonglei State.
• The EU has imposed sanctions against three former and current South Sudanese officials, including Paul Malong.
• Al Jazeera: “South Sudan: war deprives children of education”

Monday 5 February

• GoSS recalled its ambassador to the United States in response to the imposition of the arms embargo.
• A second round of the High-Level Revitalization Forum started in Addis Ababa as the international diplomatic pressure on the conflict parties increases.
• Former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong, refuse to return from Kenya to South Sudan. He also accused members of the National Security Services and Military Intelligence of being the “unknown gunmen” often referred to in the media, who commits crimes against civilians.

Tuesday 23 January

• New satellite images show how the tiny village of Bidi Bidi, Uganda has grown into the world’s largest refugee camp since 2016.

Wednesday 24 January

• South Sudan’s embassy in London is closed due to unpaid rent since August 2017. GoSS said it is trying its best to sort the payment situation out with the landlords.
• South Sudan was ranked the third least democratic country in the world by the Freedom House’s annual report.
• In a hard-hitting speech to the Security Council, US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley asked for an arms embargo and said the US will no longer back President Salva Kiir. GoSS later summoned a top US diplomat in Juba to voice its displeasure over Haley’s statement.

Thursday 25 January

• First Vice President Taban Deng Gai said he will not step aside if SPLA (IO) leader Riek Machar returns to Juba, reversing his earlier stance on the matter.
• Telar Ring Deng has resigned from his diplomatic post as South Sudan’s ambassador to Russia. Deng did not provided a reason for his decision.
• Al Jazeera, Inside Story on violence against humanitarian groups “Why are aid organisations increasingly targeted?”

Friday 26 January

• Reported clashes in Akobo areas, Jonglei State.

Saturday 27 January

• GoSS has temporarily waived the registration fee for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a bid to encourage more humanitarian aid. The work permit fees however remain unchanged.
• Salva Kiir left for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned IGAD against taking sides in the internal affairs of South Sudan, saying there are contradictions and conflicts of interest among the IGAD countries.
  • Adama Dieng, the U.N. secretary-general’s special adviser for the prevention of genocide, directed a similar, but more direct criticism against Uganda and Kenya in particular, stating they are both contributing to the conflict.

Monday 29 January

• The SPLA (IO) released 15 prisoners of war to The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in accordance with the December 2017 agreement.
• The AU said it is open to impose sanctions on leaders violating ceasefires in South Sudan, echoing the already increasing international diplomatic pressure.