Tuesday 16 January

• The SPLA (IO)-appointed governor of Central Equatoria, Mario Laku Thomas, has defected to the National Salvation Front led by Thomas Cirillo. Laku claimed he took more than 90 SPLA (IO) soldiers with him.

Wednesday 17 January

• According to a new report by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, SPLA soldiers and security personnel sexually assaulted more than 150 women and children around Juba in 2017. CTSAMM further reports that both sides of the conflict have violated the December 2017 agreement.

Thursday 18 January

• The team of attorneys defending the former SPLA (IO) spokesperson James Gatdet against treason charges withdrew from the ongoing court trial citing unfair prosecution procedures.
• SPLA (IO) accused the CTSAMM mediators of being biased, allowing the government to violate the recent cessation of hostilities agreement.
• The IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismail Wais, visited Juba for consultations with government officials in preparation for the continued revitalization process next month.
• Bloomberg on farming in the Equatoria: “Farmers Risk Lashes as War Decimates South Sudan Breadbasket”

Friday 19 January

• Reported clashes between SPLA (IO) and government forces in several places, including Eastern and Central Equatoria State and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
• More than 250,000 children are “at risk of imminent death” because of severe malnutrition, as the UN warns of a “lost generation” due to South Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
• President Salva Kiir rejected calls to reappoint Paul Malong to his former post as the SPLA chief of staff, saying it would amount to setting “a bad precedent”.

Monday 22 January

• The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission called on all conflict parties to fulfil their obligations to the international ceasefire monitoring body, CTSAMM.

Tuesday 9 January

• Reports of clashes between government and SPLA (IO) forces in the Wunu’Lyet area, 10km outside Juba.

Wednesday 10 January

• General Thomas Cirillo, leader of The National Salvation Front, denied reports that he has agreed with the exiled and former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong to form a coalition to fight President Salva Kiir’s government.
• The Guardian: “Hunger is killing me’: starvation as a weapon of war in South Sudan”

Thursday 11 January

• Two people were killed and five others kidnapped after unknown gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle along the Wau-Abyei road.
• In Eastern Equatoria State, Abdallah Albert claims to lead a new opposition group calling itself the Eastern Front Army.
• 11 captured government officials loyal to Taban Deng escaped from a SPLA (IO) detention centre in Akobo, Jonglei State.
• Reuters: “South Sudan’s disabled swap stigma for sport”

Friday 12 January

• Members of the Jieng Council of Elders have struck a deal with Paul Malong not to rebel against the government following a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sunday 14 January

• The Troika countries have expressed concern over continuing reports of troop movements by warring parties in South Sudan. This week, hundreds of SPLA troops were reportedly moved into Jonglei state.

Monday 15 January

• Clashes reported in Pieri area, Jonglei State between SPLA and SPLA (IO) forces.

Tuesday 2 January

• The Troika (the US, the UK and Norway) called on the armed factions to end all military operations, while threatening to impose individual or group sanctions on those violating the December 2017 cessation of hostility agreement.
• Radio Tamazuj Factbox: “Protection camp populations in South Sudan”

Wednesday 3 January

• The SPLA claims opposition attacks has killed 34 people in the first three days of 2018.
• Archivists fear that thousands of historical documents detailing South Sudan’s past can be lost and destroyed while waiting for a national archive to be built.
• According to the SPLA, 1850 former SPLA (IO) and Arrow Boys fighters, who surrendered to the government in 2016, have been integrated into regular SPLA forces in Yambio.
• The Guardian, op-ed on the South Sudanese youth-diaspora in Australia: “As South Sudanese community leaders we must give our youth a sense of belonging”

Thursday 4 January

• Associates of the exiled and former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong have reportedly joined the opposition group, the South Sudan Patriotic Army (SSPA) in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Malong later denied he influenced the rebellion, or that he is mobilizing for war as President Kiir claim.

Friday 5 January

• Reported fighting between government troops and opposition forces in several places in Central Equatoria State, including an attack on the SPLA-controlled Kapuri military post west of Juba by SPLA(IO) allied forces. The SPLA (IO) later distanced itself from the latter attack.
• The US Embassy in Juba imposed a stricter, temporary curfew policy for its personnel, in response to the reported fighting on the outskirts of Juba.
• The Government of South Sudan requested major Internet service providers to shutdown 3G network temporarily across the country over ‘security concerns’.

Monday 8 January

• President Kiir demanded that the exiled and former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong return to South Sudan. According to Kiir, Malong has to prove he did not incite his supporters to rebel -as allegedly proven by a leaked audiotape, or be branded a rebel himself.

Tuesday 19 December

• Clashes reported in Lasu area, Central Equatoria State as diplomats began another round of IGAD-led peace talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Wednesday 20 December

• Volunteers from the “Remembering the Ones We Lost” project continue to gather the names of South Sudan’s uncounted war victims, as the conflict’s official death toll remains unknown.
• The six aid workers who were kidnapped by SPLA (IO) in Raja, Western Bahr el Ghazal earlier this week have been released.

Thursday 21 December

• Associated Press: “Civil war pushing South Sudan closer to starvation”

Sunday 24 December

• Various stakeholders, including the SPLM and SPLM (IO) signed a new Agreement on Cessation of Hostility, Protection of Civilians, and Humanitarian Access on 21 December in Addis Ababa. The IGAD-brokered agreement was violated only hours after it came into effect on December 24, as clashes were reported in Koch area, Unity State.
  • Voice of America: “South Sudanese Refugees React Warily to Signing of Cease-fire”

Tuesday 26 December

• Reported clashes between SPLA (IO) and government forces in Kajo-Keji county and in areas east of Torit town.

Wednesday 27 December

• The Minister of Information Michael Makuei says he will continue to speak on behalf of President Salva Kiir’s government despite being the target of U.S. sanctions.

 Thursday 28 December

• Hundreds of South Sudanese refugees fled to Democratic Republic of Congo following the clashes in Lasu. The Congolese army, wary of negative spill-over effects, were arresting individuals among the refugees suspected of being rebel fighters.

 Friday 29 December

• In the town of Malualkon in Greater Aweil, witnesses report that SPLA soldiers and National Security agents raided the home of Paul Malong, the exiled and former SPLA chief of staff.

 Sunday 31 December

• At least 22 people were killed in inter-clan clashes between Nyara, Manyayiel, Biong and Nyichak clans over grazing land in Bor-South county, Jonglei State.
• SPLM (IO)-appointed governor of Kapoeta State, Marko Lokidor Lochapio, was allegedly abducted from his home in neighbouring Kenya, and later handed over to South Sudan National Security Service. The incident sparks concerns about the security and the safety of key opposition figures in Kenya.
• President Kiir claimed the on-going civil war has continued to keep him in power against his and his family’s will.

The IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum concluded its first phase on 21 December with an Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access. The agreement was signed by the various conflict parties, including GoSS and SPLM (IO), and came into force on 24 December. However, clashes between government and SPLA (IO) forces in Koch area, Unity State were reported only hours after the agreement came into effect.

…A more comprehensive news update from South Sudan will be available on 2 January.

Dear Readers, please note that there will be no news update next week. We will be back on Tuesday 2 January with a two-week TWISS update for week 51 and 52.

Tuesday 12 December

• Reuters on the situation in Ganyiel, Unity State: “In war-torn South Sudan, one town nurtures a small-scale peace”

Wednesday 13 December

• Residents in the Kapoeta area, Eastern Equatoria State, say they have turned to illegal gold mining in order to ensure their own survival.
• According to the UN, a total of nine aid workers were killed in South Sudan in November

Thursday 14 December

• South Sudan has resumed issuing passports following a temporary shut down by the German tech provider Muhlbauer, over unpaid bills.
• The U.N. Secretary General’s Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng is defending the performance of UNMISS, saying it is not an intervention force.
• UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to extend UNMISS’ mandate until 15 March 2018.
• Riek Machar has nominated a three-member delegation to represent SPLM/A (IO) at the High-Level Revitalization Forum scheduled to take place from 17-22 December in Addis Ababa.

Friday 15 December

• International media reports on South Sudan as the country’s civil war enters its fifth year.
  • France 24, in depth video news reporting: “South Sudan, a cursed land”
  • The Guardian, op-ed by 31 British parliamentarian calling for action: “UK government must step up its support for South Sudan”
  • Al Jazeera op-ed: “One last push to end South Sudan’s deadly civil war”
• President Salva Kiir promoted three generals facing U.N. sanctions over alleged human rights violations in army reshuffle. The move confirms the criticism against GoSS’ high level of impunity.
• Bloomberg on the new oil deal between Sudan and South Sudan: “Oil Deal May Win Back Sudan Some Influence Over Former Enemy”
• UNICEF estimates in a new report that more than 19,000 South Sudanese children have been forcibly recruited into fighting, and over 2,300 have been killed or injured since the conflict began in December 2013.

Sunday 17 December

• South Sudan’s Council of Ministers and the AU have allegedly agreed on how the roles of the awaited hybrid court will be defined.
• At least 18 people were killed in reported clashes between government and SPLA (IO) forces in Latjor, Upper Nile State.

Monday 18 December

• Reported clashes in Lasu, Central Equatoria, and in Raja, Western Bahr el Ghazal State between government and SPLA (IO) forces. Seven aid workers were reportedly abducted following the clashes in Raja.
• At least 30 people died in inter-communal clashes in Marial Lou village, Warrap State.

Tuesday 5 December

• South Sudan still owes Sudan USD $1.3 billion to settle an oil agreement from 2012 according to former deputy finance minister Mou Ambrose Riiny Thiik. Thiik was removed from his position after he stated that GoSS is unable to pay its civil servants due to empty state coffers. GoSS later promised to pay civil servants’ salaries before Christmas.

Wednesday 6 December

• GoSS reaffirmed its commitment the proposed IGAD revitalization forum, which is set to begin this month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Saturday 9 December

• More than 100 people reported killed in inter-communal clashes between youth from the Pakam and Rup clans in the Chueichok area, Lakes State. Fighting broke out on Wednesday and continued with revenge attacks on Friday. Some sources claim the death toll is as high as 173 Kiir declared a three-month state of emergency in Gok, Eastern Lakes and Western lakes states in response to the heightened inter-communal tensions.

Sunday 10 December

• Hundred of women marched the streets of Juba with their mouths taped shut, carrying posters demanding an end to the on-going civil war.
• Al Jazeera: “South Sudan: Widows of war turn to beauty salon for survival” 

Tuesday 28 November

• The US threatens to take further action against GoSS if it do not end violence and allow UNMISS to carry out their mission. US diplomat Nikki Haley tells the UN Security Council “words are no longer sufficient.”
• GoSS welcomed the announcement by the Government of Kenya that all citizens from East African countries, including South Sudan, are may enter Kenya without a visa.
• The Globe and Mail on the effects of sexual violence as a weapon of war: “Children of war: Carrying on with babies born of rape”

Wednesday 29 November

• Suspected Murle tribesmen attacked Duk Payuel, the headquarters of Duk County in Jonglei State, killing 69 people, including women, children and six local aid workers. The attack is the latest chapter in a chain of revenge attacks, cattle raiding, and child abduction in the area.
• Chatham House, expert comment: “How to Support South Sudan’s High Level Revitalization Forum”

Thursday 30 November

• The Troika countries issued a statement urging all conflict parties, especially the SPLA, to end hostilities as a sign of commitment to the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF).

Saturday 2 December

• GoSS has tacitly removed subsidies on fuel, a move many government officials attributed to the scarcity of hard currencies in the country.

Sunday 3 December

• The two opposition groups, the National People’s Alliance Forces (NPAF) and the South Sudanese Freedom Movement (SSFM) have reportedly merged and joined forces.
• Conflicting reports by the SPLA (IO) over alleged clashes in the area around Leer, Unity State between the opposition group and government forces.

Monday 4 December

• Despite the economic crisis, GoSS has spent ‘millions of dollars’ on Israeli surveillance drones and security cameras to fight crime in Juba.

Tuesday 21 November

• Conflicting reports over clashes in Ayod area, Jonglei State.
• SPLM (IO) rejected the recent reunification deal between SPLM and SPLM Former Detainees (SPLM-FD) signed in Cairo, Egypt. Pagan Amum denies that the SPLM (IO) is excluded from the process, saying that this is part of the implementation of the Arusha agreement.

 Wednesday 22 November

• Quartz, in-depth article on China’s foreign policy in South Sudan: “’Mutually Beneficial’: There’s at least one place in Africa where China’s “win win” diplomacy is failing”

Thursday 23 November

• According to Save the Children, two-thirds of South Sudan risk famine in February or March 2018.
• At least 28 people reported killed in clashes between opposition and government forces in Rubkuai county, Unity State.
• Pope Francis led a special prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica for peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Friday 24 November

• South Sudan can no longer issue passports. Its German technology provider, Muhlbauer shut down the system because GoSS did not pay an annual fee of around USD $500,000.
• Former SPLA chief of staff, Paul Malong has denied responsibility for the formation of the private militia known as ‘Mathiang Anyoor’ at the start of the civil war. The militia was later dispersed or absorbed into formal service branches.
• The Troika denied reports by GoSS that they have agreed to exclude Riek Machar from the IGAD High Level Revitalization Forum.
• President Salva Kiir has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reduce its diplomatic staff due to the economic crisis.
• Voice of America: “Enough Project Applauds Tough US Approach on South Sudan”

 Saturday 25 November

• President Salva Kiir condemned the recent indiscriminate killings by unknown gunmen in Juba.

Sunday 26 November

• Former SPLA general Zachariah Monyjiek Baguot Kiir has reportedly formed a new opposition group near the Sudan border, calling itself the South Sudan United Liberation Movement/Army.

Monday 27 November

• Reuters, Feature article: “Crocodiles, pythons and militias: South Sudan’s children risk death for school”

Monday 13 November

• The President of Sudan, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, arrived in Kampala for a two-day state visit to met with his Ugandan counter part, President Yoweri Museveni to discuss, amongst other things, the situation in South Sudan. 

Tuesday 14 November

• Following diplomatic pressure from the US, the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) has promised “free, unimpeded and unhindered movement” for aid convoys.
• A Supreme Court judge resigned, saying a lack of independence from the executive had turned the judiciary into a “mockery” and complaining of poor working conditions.

Thursday 16 November

• The UN Security Council extended the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei’s (UNISFA) mandate in the contested area of Abyei until 15 May 2018.

Friday 17 November

• US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, continues to put pressure on GoSS and criticize Salva Kiir’s role in the on-going conflict, saying the US has to “take a side” in the conflict.

Saturday 18 November

• The New York Times, The Look: “What War Can’t Destroy”

Sunday 19 November

• Former SPLA chief of staff, General Paul Malong, arrived in Nairobi, Kenya shortly after he was officially released from his house arrest in Juba by President Salva Kiir. Malong is still not permitted to return to his home village in Aweil.
• According to the UN the intense fighting and unrest in Kajo Keji county, Central Equatoria State in October has forced more than 17,300 displaced people to flee. 

Monday 20 November

• The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has arrested a former South Sudanese rebel commander, Colonel John Tata, accusing him of recruiting Ugandan youth.
• According to a statement by Festus Mogae, the head of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), GoSS has approved a constitutional amendment bill. The move is in line with the August 2015 peace agreement, and it is expected that Parliament will endorse the bill in December.