South Sudan In Focus - VOA Africa

Today’s top stories: Rebels loyal to former first vice-president Riek Machar attack the capital of Lol State and take control of the town; South Sudanese living in the United States speak out against targeted killings back home; and traders on the Uganda-South Sudan border say the conflict in South Sudan has disrupted their once thriving border town.

Today’s top stories: A South Sudanese diplomat dismisses accusations that residents in Wau and Pajok were targeted by the South Sudan army, saying civilians were caught in “crossfire;” a senior British official calls the conflict in South Sudan a 'genocide;' and the United Nations refugee agency opens a new settlement in Uganda for thousands of South Sudanese displaced by violence in Imatong State.

Today’s top stories: South Sudan’s Vice-President advises lawmakers to hold a national conference to prevent the country from collapse; former political detainees call on leaders to intervene and end the conflict in South Sudan; and entrepreneurs in Juba outline the struggles they face in owning a business.

Today’s top stories: Thousands of South Sudanese flee to protected compounds following yesterday’s deadly attack in Wau; community leaders in Jubek State face enormous challenges in promoting peace and stability in their communities; and the United Nations and international aid agencies warn of the risk of mass deaths from starvation in parts of Africa.

Today’s top stories: Gunmen dressed in military uniforms kill dozens of civilians in Wau town; Uganda and the UNHCR call for more funding to provide relief services for South Sudan refugees; and South Sudan’s higher education minister says there is no money left in the fiscal budget for students studying abroad.

Today’s top stories: South Sudan army soldiers prevent U.N. peacekeepers from reaching Parjok; violence in the East Equatoria region force civilians to flee into neighboring Uganda; and Aweil State residents criticize the South Sudan government for mismanagement of public funds.

Today’s top stories: A convoy transporting internally displaced persons to Pibor is attacked, leaving four dead and twelve injured; President Salva Kiir asks for donations to help people in famine-stricken areas; and a presidential spokesman says Juba does not have the money to proceed with organizing the widely-anticipated national dialogue.

Today’s top stories: Religious and community leaders in Imatong State accuse government forces of killing civilians in Parjok Town; South Sudanese women activists say women play a big role in peace building, and should play an even greater role in politics; and panelists at a United States Congressional hearing voice differing views on whether easing sanctions on Sudan was the right thing to do.

Today’s top stories: Eyewitnesses accuse the South Sudan army of killing young civilians in Parjok Town near the Ugandan border; the U.S. ambassador to South Sudan says rebel leaders and administration officials are responsible for the country’s downward spiral; and traders in Imatong State close their shops due to the economic crisis.

Today’s top stories: The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan facilitates the departure of over forty South Sudanese with dual citizenship; the South Sudan government drops plans to increase work permit fees; and roads linking Boma State and Juba remain blocked following last month’s attack on six aid workers.