Südsudan

The mandate renewal process raised important questions about the future of United States (US) policy on UNMISS and UN peace operations in general. The US’ role in all UN peace operations over the decades, particularly in South Sudan, has been significant.

Tensions are rising in South Sudan as the president manoeuvres to anoint an apparent successor and dissolves the bargain that ended the post-independence civil war. African leaders with the president’s ear should work together to ward off a devastating new upheaval in the world’s youngest country.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has raised concerns over the plight of refugees and returnees as it grapples with an influx amid funding shortfalls. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj in Juba, Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Country Representative in South Sudan, said the agency is struggling to provide basic needs, including health and education, to the over 550,000 refugees from Sudan due to a funding shortage that has resulted in food ration cuts.  

Escalating violence, political deadlock and a deepening humanitarian crisis puts South Sudan “at a turning point”, the Security Council heard today, as several UN and regional officials urged an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and a renewed commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. 

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed key allies of his longtime rival, First Vice President Riek Machar, from government positions, a move that raises fresh doubts about the viability of their power-sharing agreement under the 2018 peace deal. … The purge came just a day after the African Union Peace and Security Council reaffirmed its support for the 2018 agreement, urging progress toward elections and inclusive dialogue.

The Ugandan military said Tuesday it is on high alert along its border with South Sudan following deadly clashes over the past two weeks that have left four soldiers dead and displaced hundreds of civilians.

A high-level delegation from the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) is set to arrive in Juba over the weekend amid escalating political and security tensions that threaten to unravel South Sudan’s fragile 2018 peace agreement.

Western embassies called Wednesday for the release of detained South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar as they condemned surging violence that threatens the country’s fragile peace deal.

Uganda’s army, which has been supporting South Sudan’s ruling faction against its internal rivals, has clashed violently with local armed forces in the country, officials said on Tuesday.

Food lifeline fading for millions in South Sudan hit by conflict and climate shocks

South Sudan’s dramatic hunger crisis is worsening and millions of people there could miss out on food aid because of the global humanitarian funding crisis, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday. … The worst-hit areas include Upper Nile state, where fighting has displaced thousands and relief access is restricted. Two counties are at risk of tipping into famine: Nasir and Ulang.