This Week in South Sudan – Week 31

Monday 31 July

• Reported clashes in two areas in Kajo-keji County, Central Equatoria State and at Lanyi garrison, Western Equatoria State.

Tuesday 1 August

• A new Human Rights Watch report accuses nine leaders from both warring factions, including President Salva Kiir and SPLA (IO) leader Riek Machar, of committing serious human rights violations and possibly war crimes during 2016 and 2017.

Wednesday 2 August

• Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s visited South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda as the number of displaced people in the neighbouring country nears the million mark
• Fall armyworms and seven outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease add to South Sudan’s already struggling agriculture and economy.
• Five people were killed and 13 others injured in a road ambush on the Nimule-Juba highway.

Thursday 3 August

• SPLA (IO) warned soldiers who defected to the National Salvation Front (NSF) to return all arms and ammunitions taken after the recent clashes around Yei River state, or risk arrest.
• The Government of South Sudan has resolved to restructure the SPLA and change its name to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
• Bloomberg: “War-Torn South Sudan’s Traders Weigh New Risk: Kenya’s Vote”

Friday 4 August

• During his visit to Juba, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix said both warring parties appear unwilling to end the conflict.

Saturday 5 August

• President Salva Kiir deny arresting Paul Malong Awan, the former SPLA chief of general staff.
• Reported clashes between the SPLA (IO) and government forces in Rubkona, Unity State.

Sunday 6 August

• Sudan is planning to split the Al Waral camp refugee camp in White Nile State into three separate units after a recent wave of violence within the camp.
• UNMISS is investigating reports that 25 people were killed in inter-communal clashes between the Waat and Ayie communities in Cueibet county, Lakes State.
• The SPLA have reportedly captured the rebel stronghold town of Pagak on the Ethiopian border.