This Week in South Sudan – Week 2

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.