This Week in South Sudan – Week 18

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.