Gen. Malong seeks UN protection
Former Army Chief of Staff Paul Malong has sought for UN protection through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Gen Malong is cited in multiple human rights violations that have been reported in South Sudan while still serving the Juba government.
After his sacking in May this year, Malong was detained on the orders of President Salva Kiir on suspicion he was planning an insurrection. He has since been under house arrest.
Malong claims that since his sacking and detention three of his assistants have died of torture. In his application, the former army chief, who has been subject of individual sanctions by both the US and Canada, appealed to the UN and IGAD to intervene and save him.
Independence was a mistake- Kiir
President Salva Kiir is in trouble for declaring that the independence of South Sudan was a mistake. Now South Sudanese from the diaspora are calling for his resignation after he expressed regret for the independence of his country while meeting President Omar al Bashir of Sudan. The statement angered the people of South Sudan who voted overwhelmingly for independence after fighting for decade.
Official assassinated
The head of protocol of Western Lakes State of South Sudan Mr. Majong Kuong was killed on Sunday night by four unknown gunmen. Majong had served the state in 12 different capacities before being appointed to head of protocol. Police say they are still investigating the incident.
1.2 million people face starvation
A report by the United Nations has raised concerns of about close to 1.25 million people facing starvation. In February this year there were 100,000 people facing starvation but due to humanitarian assistance the crisis was averted. According to the Chairperson of the South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics Isaiah Chol, insecurity and fighting has made it hard for humanitarian help to reach the people who need it most. Serge Tissot from the Food and Agricultural Organization said that 2018 will be critical and the only way to avoid deterioration is peace.
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) also pointed out that there is a landmine crisis in South Sudan with about 6 million people living in areas with landmines and explosives. According to UNMAS, about 90 million square meters of land are plagued with explosives. The agency estimates 150 unknown hazards are discovered every month.
