This Week in South Sudan - Week 11

Monday 9 March

• A high ranking SPLA officer said they launched a military offensive to retake Wadakona from the SPLM/A (IO) last week.

Tuesday 10 March

• Clashes between SPLM/A (IO) and government forces continued in Manyo County in Upper Nile State.
• According to Vice-president, James Wani Igga the IGAD peace talks hit a deadlock after SPLM (IO) delegation made “nine impossible” demands.
• Amnesty International: 76 organizations call for publication of AU Inquiry Report as deadline for peace passes.

Wednesday 11 March

• UNMISS plans to establish a “forward operating base” inside Malakal town in Upper Nile.
• South Sudan’s army says it captured ten soldiers belonging to SPLA-IO forces during clashes in Wadakona on 8 March.
• South Sudan’s economy weakens, as the price of the South Sudanese pound against the US dollar dropped in the black market to the lowest level since South Sudan’s independence.

Thursday 12 March

• IGAD announced its plan to resume peace negotiations in April, with a renewed approach referred to as the “IGAD-plus” formula.
• According to a government official, the SPLM does not want the ‘Troika’ to be included in the mediation team for new peace talks.
• The 18 South Sudanese political parties that form the loose opposition association known as ‘PPLF’ welcome the international sanctions

Saturday 14 March

• According to a SPLM/A (IO) spokesperson, rebel forces bombed and destroyed a ferry in Manyo county,Upper Nile state.

Sunday 15 March

• According to IGADs report on ceasefire violations in February 2015, both SPLA factions shelled each other, killed civilians, burned hospital and humanitarian infrastructure, and conscripted child soldiers in Unity and Upper Nile states.
• Clashes between the two SPLA factions resume in Manyo county in Upper Nile state.
• According to justice minister, Paulino Wanawilla Unango, South Sudan’s controversial security bill can become a law after the 30 days.