This Week in South Sudan – Week 20

Monday 15 May

• UN agencies increased their 2017 appeal for South Sudan to US $1.4 billion in order address what has become the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis.
• The UN Security Council (UNSC) reduced the UN Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and warned it may withdraw its support to the Joint Border Verification & Monitoring Mechanism force.

Tuesday 16 May

• President Salva Kiir has issued several decrees creating major leadership and structural changes within the SPLA; the army will be restructured into three separate forces – a ground force, an air force and navy units.
• Deputy Minister of Labour and Public Service, David Yau Yau called on President Kiir to reshuffle his cabinet, and appoint new leaders.

Wednesday 17 May

• Reported clashes between government and opposition forces in Yei, Central Equatoria State.

Thursday 18 May

• President Kiir announced the National Dialogue will start on 22 May, despite missing commitments from key opposition figures.
• CNN in-depth: “Faced with slaughter they fled, now their safe haven teeters on the brink”

Friday 19 May

• According to UN human rights investigators’ report, pro-government forces killed at least 114 civilians in and around Yei town between July 2016 and January 2017, in addition to uncounted rape, torture and looting incidents. The SPLA dismissed the report as “baseless”.
• President Kiir and former army chief Paul Malong held reconciliation talks in Juba.
• Clashes between government and opposition forces reported in Wunkur area, Unity State.
• Riek Machars wife, Angelina Teny, has not been appointed as acting chairperson of SPLM (IO) as rumoured on social media.