This Week in South Sudan - Week 27

Tuesday 3 July

• The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) proposed a bill to extent President Kiir’s term for three years. The oppositions rejected the proposal.

Wednesday 4 July

• The GoSS and the Government of Sudan finally agreed to open four crossing corridors: Kosti-Renk road and river, Meriam-Aweil road and rail (not in operation), Heglig-Bentiu and Al Sumayyah.
• Local traders reported that security situation along Raja-Wau road has significantly improved.

Thursday 5 July

• Luka Biong Deng said that President Kiir and Riek Machar do not have full control over their forces and that providing security is not solely up to them.
• Amnesty International: “South Sudan: UN Security Council must Impose Arms Embargo to Help end Atrocities”.

Friday 6 July

• The GoSS and the opposition groups signed an accord on security arrangements, as a result of the Khartoum Agreement. Read the accord here. Key points:
  • Permanent ceasefire, including the immediate release of all prisoners of war and detainees.
  • Pre-transitional period, including demilitarization of civilian areas.
  • Transitional period of 36 months.
  • Mechanisms of security arrangements, wherein which half of the part members of the Joint Transitional Security Committee shall be drawn from the opposition groups.

Sunday 8 July

• Reportedly, Riek Machar is to be reinstated as the First Vice President.
• Initially planned to end today 9 July, South Sudanese peace talks have been extended to 12 July.