South Sudan in Focus: Some leaders of the SPLM-IO opposition group have been arrested, and army troops are surrounding the home of First Vice President Riek Machar, the party leader. South Sudanese Citizens in Juba have expressed concern over the deployment of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) at the residence of the First Vice President Riek Machar Teny with fear that it could act as an antidote for fresh violence in the country. Plus, the academic staff at South Sudan’s Rumbek University say they are partially lifting the strike that was declared last year after going months without their salaries. The administration of the teaching staff says the decision was reached after South Sudan’s Vice President Benjamin Bol promised timely payment of salaries and to clear all the outstanding salary arrears. All this and more on Soth Sudan in Focus.

The fighting in Nasir County in Upper Nile State has pushed civilians to flee their homes and there are fears it could worsen. A youth leader of the militia known as the White Army in Nasir County says 21 people have been killed and many others injured in clashes between local youth and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Upper Nile State. For VOA News, Deng Ghai Deng reports from Juba.

South Sudan in Focus: Scores killed in Nasir Town after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the armed civilians were involved in yet another fresh clash. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Western Equatoria State denies allegations that opposition-appointed ministers have abandoned their duties. For this and more, tune in to South Sudan in Focus.

Tension grips Malakal over rumors of an imminent attack by the armed group known as the White Army. The government of Upper Nile State warns civilians against believing rumors and assures them Malakal and surrounding areas are protected. Mamer Abraham Kuot reports for VOA from Malakal.

Some businesspeople working in Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan are saying the visa-free entry system for some East African countries has helped improve business relationships and encourage investors. However, some are unhappy because they say they are charged improper registration fees at border points. For VOA News Kaltuma Vanesa report from Torit

South Sudan in Focus: Tension grips Malakal over rumors of an imminent attack by the armed group known as the White Army but the government of Upper Nile State warns civilians against believing rumors. Some businesspeople working in Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan are saying the visa-free entry system for some East African countries has helped improve business relationships and encourage investors. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says worsening insecurity in the DRC’s rebel-controlled cities of Goma and Bukavu is making it extremely difficult to feed and care for thousands of children and women. And, as countries face increasing risk of climate-related disasters, in the Horn of Africa a trade bloc has partnered with humanitarian organizations to develop a preparedness program to enhance early warning systems and strengthen risk management. All this and more on South Sudan in Focus.

Jonglei state's Kadiang village residents are facing massive health challenges after USAID funding was cut to the John Dau Foundation, the only health organization operating in the area. Some people are opting herbal medicinal trees for survival. Denis Logonyi reports from Juba.

The future of news media in South Sudan in uncertain after the United States shut down most projects funded by US Agency for International Development around the world. Deng Ghai Deng reports from Juba.

Attacks on Sudan's Zamzam camp has forced Doctors Without Borders or MSF to stop providing medical aid for displaced persons in the huge camp in North Darfur. Despite widespread starvation and immense humanitarian needs, MSF Project Coordinator Marion Ramstein tells VOA's Carol Van Dam MSF made the heartbreaking decision to leave because of repeated shelling on the camp.

South Sudan in Focus airs at 7:30 pm in Juba (1630 UTC) and can be heard on FM stations throughout South Sudan, on shortwave, and on VOA’s 24-hour channel in Nairobi at 8:30 pm. The program is hosted by John Tanza in Washington D.C., and a network of reporters around South Sudan and in Washington.