02 Dec 2017 | 10:58 PM UTC
South Sudan: Rebels accuse government of breaking ceasefire Nov. 30
Rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar accuse government forces of launching a new offensive in Unity state November 30
Event
Forces loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar accused to the government of breaking a ceasefire on Thursday, November 30. An opposition military spokesman claimed that government soldiers launched a new offensive against the town of Leer in northern Unity state. According to the spokesman, rebel forces killed 53 soldiers, wounded an additional 93, and seized dozens of weapons. However, a general from the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) issued a contradictory statement, claiming that the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) suffered 92 casualties in the fighting. According to the SPLA, the rebels attacked government positions in Leer.
Context
South Sudan has been wracked by years of political, interethnic, and intercommunal violence - exacerbated by border and oil revenue disputes with Sudan. Following the 2011 signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that gave the country its independence from Sudan, the predominantly north-south conflict has given way to a pattern of internal violence. Since December 2013, the country has experienced an intermittent civil war waged between the government of President Salva Kiir and the SPLA on one side, and Machar and the SPLA-IO on the other. The conflict has continued despite international support for state-building and peace-keeping - including the 12,000-strong United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), deployed since 2011. The number of South Sudanese citizens displaced by the conflict currently stands at some 3.5 million.
Advice
Individuals in Unity state are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. Certain regions should be particularly avoided, including the states of Unity and Upper Nile, the north of Warrap state, parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, and areas along the border with the Central African Republic, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place.
