This Week in South Sudan – Week 2

Tuesday 8 January

• President Salva Kiir pardoned 48 detainees in prisons in Wau, Juba, Torit, Turalei and Kuacjok. So far, media has reported on releases from Wau, Gogrial in Warrap State and Mayendit in Unity State.
• South Sudan media regulator ordered national media outlets to ignore ongoing anti-government protests in Khartoum.

Wednesday 9 January

• The two communities of Rup and Pakam in Lakes signed a peace deal to end decades of intercommunal violence of cattle raids and revenge violence.
• Close to 50 people have been reported killed with close to 80 people wounded during a cattle raid in Akobo, east in Jonglei State.
• Institute for Security Studies: “South Sudan: Whose Power are they Sharing Anyway?”

Thursday 10 January

• The governor of Jonglei region, Philip Aguer Payang, announced that the joint police patrol along the region’s borders will intensify in order to contain cattle rustling and abduction of children.

Friday 11 January

• More than 300 UK peacekeepers have been deployed in South Sudan with the mission to protect civilians, particularly women, against violence in Malakal and Bentiu, in Unity.
• Africa Center for Strategic Studies: “Taking Stock of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan”.

Sunday 13 January

• The parties of the peace agreement decided to launch a pilot project for a unified national army in Central Equatoria.
• Media reports that South Sudanese refugees are too scared to return, despite the revitalized peace agreement.