2013

In this comment on fighting in South Sudan, fear is expressed that recent violence in the oilfields in Unity State and Upper Nile State may lead to the conflict spreading across the region and to the involvement of Khartoum.

Officials in South Sudan’s Unity state said clashes between oil workers from rival clans at the Unity and Tharjath oil fields on Thursday 19-12 have left 16 dead, while over 200 people from the Dinka tribe are currently seeking refuge in the UN compound in Bentiu town.

Observers say ethnic tensions are at the heart of ongoing fighting, that may determine the fate of the country.

Gunfire rang out again in South Sudan's capital Juba late on Monday hours after President Salva Kiir said his forces had quelled an "attempted coup" by supporters of his sacked deputy.

The Director of South Sudan’s Anti-Corruption Commission (SSACC) has noted with great concern the weakness of civil society organisations in the fight against corruption.

A two-day investment conference, held in the capital, Juba 4-5 December, showcased business and investment opportunities in South Sudan.

South Sudan’s ministry of finance has declined to explain how it allegedly borrowed $4.5bn following last year’s abrupt oil shutdown after a dispute with Sudan.

Thousands of people in Unity State may be affected by drinking water being oil tainted, which officials blame on damage to the oil fields during fighting two years ago.

Authorities in South Sudan’s Unity state say they are introducing tough measures against oil companies to stop oil producing areas from becoming pollution.

South Sudan is set to become almost self-sufficient in oil products within a year as two refineries enter production, saving Africa’s newest nation foreign exchange it now uses to buy diesel from neighbors.