South Sudan In Focus - VOA Africa

The Trump administration nominates Thomas J. Hushek to be the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan; South Sudanese lawmakers elect nine representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly; and health officials struggle to provide medical services in SPLA-IO controlled parts of Kajo Keji.

The head of the U.N. peacekeepers calls on the leaders of South Sudan’s warring parties to end the cycle of violence and resolve their differences; black market fuel traders are arrested during a crackdown in Juba; and fourteen South Sudanese professionals are among the one thousand Mandela Washington fellows studying in the United States.

A military spokesman blames rebels loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar for a deadly attack on the Juba-Nimule Road; church leaders in Yei River State express concern about increased attacks on church property by men in uniform; and health officials report a spike in the number of malaria cases at Bor State Hospital due to lack of medicine.

A Human Rights Watch report renews calls for sanctions on leaders of the warring parties in South Sudan; the South Sudan government and rebel officials react to the Human Rights Watch report and dismiss its accusations; and a ‘South Sudan We Want’ campaign measures the hopes and aspirations of South Sudan.

A top electoral official is found dead in Nairobi days before national elections; a counseling center in Jonglei State helps patients suffering from traumatic experiences at no charge; and new technology gives viewers a life-like experience of living in Sudan’s Nuba mountains.

Government troops take control of the town of Maiwut in the wake of renewed fighting between pro-government forces and rebels loyal to former first vice-president Riek Machar; residents in Bor protest against land grabbing by powerful government officials; and the national dialogue steering committee describes the media as a vital tool for promoting peace.

Experts at a U.S. Senate Foreign Subcommittee hearing demand the United States shift its policy on South Sudan; South Sudanese activists and prison officials express concern about the increased number of arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions without trial; and Doctors Without Borders warns about the incidents of snake bites in South Sudan.

South Sudanese civil society activists say revitalization of the 2015 peace agreement is at risk if principal signatories are excluded; government forces continue to block aid agencies from accessing areas in Kajo Keji; and the Egyptian government calls on South Sudan’s warring parties to end the conflict and revive the peace agreement.

The deputy co-chairman of the National Dialogue Steering Committee encourages all South Sudanese to take part in the reconciliation process; a Christian charity group pledges 50-thousand dollars to help the most vulnerable in Rubkona County of former Unity State; and health officials in Jonglei State report an increase in the number of people who test positive for HIV.

President Salva Kiir reconciles with South Sudanese politician Rebecca Nyandeng; the IGAD Council of Ministers concludes a meeting aimed at revitalizing South Sudan’s 2015 peace agreement; and an Amnesty International report says thousands of rape victims are stigmatized and battle mental distress, with nowhere to turn for help.