A split within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) has grown into an armed conflict in the world’s most recently recognized nation. Since December 15 fighting has erupted in the capital of Juba and within the states of Jonglei, Warrap, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Unity between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and ousted Vice-President Riek Machar.
In the aftermath of the escalation of fighting, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that peacekeeping forces would be doubled inside the vast country to nearly 14,000 personnel. A delegation of representatives from several East African states sought to mediate the conflict and reportedly reached an agreement with the two contending forces to hold peace talks.
In a much anticipated announcement by President Kiir announcing a unilateral ceasefire, an agreement has supposedly been reached on December 27 to end the fighting that has killed over 1,000 people and dislocated tens of thousands of others. Conflicting reports over who is controlling the oil-producing areas of Unity state has caused great concern on the part of the U.S. and other western governments.
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