This Week in South Sudan – Week 29

Monday 14 July

• Salva Kiir accused Riek Machar of using ‘spiritual powers’ to mobilise.
• SPLM/A-in-Opposition claimed they killed 15 government troops who attempted to raid cattle in Unity State.
• SPLM/A-in-Opposition claimed SPLA launched new attacks in Unity State last weekend.
• The IGAD official who has been reported calling Machar and Kiir “stupid” claimed he was misquoted.
• Youths in the UN camp in Bentiu demanded that the humanitarian agencies provide jobs.
• South Sudan’s Defence Minister claimed that the EU has insufficient evidence against the military generals who are being sanctioned.

Tuesday 15 July

• The SPLM/A and the SPLM/A-in-Opposition accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
• The SPLM/A-in-Opposition accused Kiir of calling for an ethnic war.
• It was announced that Salva Kiir will attend the US-Africa summit next month.
• The US urged the warring parties to continue the peace talks.
• Fighting between SPLA and SPLA-in-Opposition broke out in Unity State.
• Increasing number of Hepatitis E reported in Lakes State.
• SPLA attacked during food distribution in Nhialdiu, Unity State.

Wednesday 16 July

• Community leaders in Jonglei State asked UNMISS to relocate displaced people from Bor.
• Riek Machar presented his plan for federalism, including making new states.
• MSF reported “shocking” levels of malnutrition among children in South Sudan.
• The UN reported that nearly 7 million people are in need of aid in South Sudan.

Thursday 17 July

• Salva Kiir requested a swift reconciliation process.
• At least 300 youths from Bahr el Ghazal announced that they will join Riek Machar.
• UN threatened to sanction South Sudan as a response to the SPLA’s arms deal with China.
• The SPLA defended its recent arms purchase.
• Five more deaths in recent fighting in Northern Bahr el Gazhal were reported.
• Amnesty International requested that the UN imposes arms embargo on South Sudan.
• 18 people were reported dead in an attack by unknown gunmen in Pigi county, Jonglei.
• Western Bahr el Ghazal state governor Rizik Zackaraia Hassan, requested that South Sudan’s capital to be transferred from Juba to Wau.
• IGAD mediator met with Riek Machar.

Friday 18 July

• SPLM/A- in-Opposition criticised China for its contradictory involvement in South Sudan.
• Fighting broke out within a SPLA unit in Upper Nile.
• A reconciliation process between Twic East clans began.

Saturday 19 July

• Preliminary findings of the African Union Commission of Inquiry in South Sudan reveal grave human rights violations and mass graves.
• The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State called for unity.
• South Sudan Community in Norway announced that it will boycott Independence Day celebrations.
• Salva Kiir said Riek Machar should be tried in court for corruption.

Sunday 20 July

• Clashes broke out between SPLA and SPLA-in-Opposition in Nasir.
• The UN condemned the attack on Nasir by opposition forces in South Sudan.
• SPLM/A-in-Opposition announced that they will send a delegation to meet president Museveni.