South Sudan In Focus - VOA Africa

President Salva Kiir calls on South Sudanese to stay calm amid rumors that former South Sudan army chief General Paul Malong might mount a rebellion. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in south Sudan says 84 aid workers have been killed in the country while in the line of duty since the outbreak of violence in December 2013

Today on South Sudan in Focus: A U.S based South Sudan civil society group says the Trump administration should put pressure on President Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar to end violence in South Sudan; and a top United Nations official in South Sudan says he's deeply concerned about recent fighting between the government and armed opposition forces.

Today on South Sudan in Focus: President Salva Kiir swears in a new SPLA Chief of General Staff amid mixed reactions; women activists in Imatong State accuse SPLM party leaders of corruption and failing to help the people of South Sudan; and South Sudanese traders in Nimule relocate to Uganda due to inflation and ongoing threats by security personnel.

Today on South Sudan in Focus: Armed men attack at least two bodyguards for Vice President Taban Deng Gai along the Juba-Bor road; South Sudan’s national security detains two female journalists who work for the Juba Monitor newspaper; and midwives in Torit report a decrease in maternal and child related deaths in South Sudan.

Today on South Sudan in Focus: The swearing-in of the steering committee for the national dialogue is suspended indefinitely; a prominent South Sudanese clergyman calls for President Salva Kiir to step down; and the number of child refugees who have fled South Sudan since 2013 reaches the one million mark.

Today’s top stories: U.N. peacekeepers from Ghana halt a planned attack on an UNMISS base in Leer County; a public survey shows Juba residents believe security has improved significantly in South Sudan; and the International Monetary Fund says South Sudan is taking positive steps towards stabilizing its fragile economy, but more needs to be done.

Today’s top stories: The executive director of an organization that helps internally displaced people is arrested for reasons yet unknown; a charity group distributes food to families in Imatong State to prevent them from fleeing their homes; and South Sudanese women and youth at a Ugandan refugee camp say the lack of educational and job opportunities make them vulnerable to poverty and deviant behavior.

Today, on 'World Press Freedom Day,' South Sudan in Focus looks at the state of media freedom in South Sudan, and the critical role journalists play in helping to create peace despite the dangers they face in the line of duty.

Today’s top stories: Armed youth attack villages in Kotchar and Manybol; the president of Sudan says his government is ready to help bring peace to South Sudan; and the governor of Imotong State threatens to close the State Assembly unless the speaker resigns.

Today’s top stories: The Kiir administration forms a committee to address the hunger crisis in South Sudan; a senior advisor with the Sudan Relief Fund urges U.S. lawmakers to extend an executive order that eases sanctions against Sudan; and refugees who have fled violence in South Sudan expect the national dialogue to bring an end to fighting in the country.