This Week in South Sudan – Week 11

Monday 11 March

• In cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum, the Oranto Petroleum company announced that they will be financing an educational program in Yirol, Lakes, reaching approximately 60 000 children.

Wednesday 13 March

• After talks with the IGAD special envoy, the South Sudan United Front, with its leader Paul Malong, is ready to become a party to the revitalised peace agreement. But, Malong stated that he wants face-to-face negotiations with the government of South Sudan.
• Hereward Holland in Reuters: “South Sudan Peace Deal Doomed if Disputes not Settled”

Friday 15 March

• The deputy chairman of the SPLM-IO, Henry Odwar, urged President Salva Kiir to fund the peace implementation with revenues from oil production.
• The People’s Democratic Movement said they were excluded from the consultation talks that the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan held with non-signatories of the peace agreement.

Saturday 16 March

• In a UN Security Council meeting, Russia accused the US of undermining the South Sudan peace deal.
• President Salva Kiir met Pope Francis in the Vatican to discuss bilateral relations and the contribution of the Catholic Church in South Sudan’s education system, health system and the peace and reconciliation processes.

Sunday 17 March

• The UN Security Council extended the UNMISS mandate for one year.
• IRIN News: “Note to Humanitarians in South Sudan: Strengthen the Group, Not Just the Individual”.