This Week in South Sudan - Week 6

Monday 2 February

• At least five people were killed and seven others wounded when unknown gunmen attacked a village in Jalle payam in Jonglei’s Bor county.
• Abdalla Kuot, spokesperson for rebel fighters under the overall command of General Dau Aturjong, said the SPLA (IO) planned to intensify its recruitment efforts in and outside South Sudan to boost its ranks.****

Tuesday 3 February

• South Sudanese newspaper, the Nation Mirror, was ordered to close by the National Security Service (NSS) for publishing allegedly “anti-government” stories.
• SPLM/A (IO) leader, Riek Machar, appointed Khamis Abdel-latif as the commander of opposition forces in Lakes state.
• The International Crisis Group warned in its new report that the ongoing war in South Sudan may lead to a mering of the wars in the region .
• Western Equatoria county commissioner, Wilson Thomas, downplayed the significance of a new local rebellion, saying government forces security maintain control of the area.

Wednesday 4 February

• According to a Ugandan military spokesman, Maj. Henry Obbo, the governments of Uganda and South Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding, extending Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan with four additional months.
• A peace and reconciliation initiative is underway among communities of Kajo-Keji County of South Sudan and Uganda’s Moyo district, Radio Miraya reports.

Thursday 5 February

• While fighting has decreased in South Sudan , the UN maintains that human rights violations continue.

Friday 6 February

• South Sudan Information Minister, Michael Makuei, supported the AU’s decision not to release a report on human rights abuses.
• Riek Machar confirmed the release of the national bureau of statistics chairperson, Isaiah Chol Aruai, and two aid workers held in captivity in SPLM/A (IO) controlled areas.
• At least 11 people were killed and eight others injured in renewed inter-clan clashes in Lakes state.

Saturday 7 February

• The Troika nations demand the release of the AU’s Commission of inquiry on South Sudan report.
• The SPLM/A (IO) welcomed Ethiopia’s plan to deploy troops in South Sudan.
• Document: IGAD lists South Sudan ceasefire violations in December and January.

Sunday 8 February

• The SPLM/A (IO) said it had not abandoned the quest for federalism, vowing the matter remained critical in peace negotiations with President Salva Kiir’s government.

Monday 9 February

• International donors pledged an additional $529 million toward humanitarian relief in South Sudan.
• Government forces accused the SPLM/A (IO) of launching new military offensives in in Unity and Upper Nile state.