Human Rights Watch has called on the United States government to respond to the atrocities committed by warring parties in Sudan over the past eight months, highlighting the importance of accountability for those responsible.

In South Sudan, the nonprofit organization Action Girls Africa is leading a coalition of young activists to end violence against women and girls. The group stresses the importance of young women's involvement in combating gender-based violence and encourages their empowerment to overcome gender equality challenges within their communities.

The UNHCR is concerned about the escalation of violence and human rights abuses against civilians in Darfur, with reports of hundreds killed by armed groups in West Darfur recently, according to regional spokesperson Faith Kasina in Nairobi. Charlton Doki reports from Juba.

The UNOCHA reports that funding shortages are impeding aid agencies' efforts to meet the growing needs of families affected by the conflict in Sudan, as reported by Charlton Doki from Juba for South Sudan in Focus.

Rajab Mohandis, a civil society representative and signatory of the 2018 South Sudan Revitalized Peace Agreement, disputes the government's claim that the Necessary Unified Forces must be deployed without weapons due to an arms embargo. He asserts that the embargo allows for the importation of weapons in accordance with the peace agreement's implementation.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has taken over the leadership of the East African Community (EAC) for one year, urging regional collaboration to address shared challenges. Kiir's leadership is seen as a positive step for South Sudan, providing leverage to address issues within the EAC and the African Union. The summit also discussed regional peace, with a focus on conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and admitted Somalia as the EAC's eighth member. Key issues covered included climate change, food security, waste management, and pollution.

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has distributed thousands of tons of seeds to five million households across 15 states in Sudan to improve food security. This initiative comes in response to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, which has affected nearly half of Sudan's population. Adam Yao, FAO's deputy representative in Sudan, emphasized the importance of this distribution in addressing the urgent needs of the affected population.

A pilot labor market survey in South Sudan reveals a significant youth unemployment gap. The labor ministry has introduced a labor market information system to aid the government, aid agencies, and the private sector in effective planning by providing essential labor market and migration data.

The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, highlights the challenging political and civic environment that could affect the fairness of the 2024 elections. He calls on South Sudan's political parties to create a code of conduct to ensure a level playing field and transparent competition. Charlton Doki reports from Juba for VOA.

The South Sudanese government's decision to allocate a $15,000 medical allowance to each of the 650 lawmakers has sparked significant public outrage. The report from Juba highlights the citizens' indignation over the perceived misuse of public funds in a country facing numerous challenges.

South Sudan’s Interior Minister Angelina Teny has received information about South Sudanese individuals participating in both factions of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, raising security concerns for South Sudan. A political analyst notes that this involvement complicates South Sudan's neutral stance and its role as a mediator. Charlton Doki reports from Juba.

The South Sudanese government is facing difficulties in replacing aging personnel within its security agencies due to budget constraints. The Interior Minister highlights the government's intention to rejuvenate the workforce by hiring younger individuals but is concerned about the financial limitations in funding pension payments for retiring employees.

The World Food Program warns that millions of Sudanese could face catastrophic hunger in 2024 unless urgent food assistance is provided to those in conflict zones. The United Nations food agency urges conflicting parties in Sudan to cease fighting to prevent a hunger crisis.

The South Sudan National Police Service has detained over 90 suspects in Juba as part of a crime crackdown, including more than a dozen local musicians with dreadlocks. The South Sudan Artists Union claims these musicians remain in police custody. Police spokesperson Daniel Justin provided updates on the arrests.

The United States embassy in South Sudan has raised concerns about the resumption of hostilities in Leer County, Unity State. An official from the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission reports that displaced civilians urgently require food and shelter.

The U.N. Security Council has set preconditions for reviewing the U.S. arms embargo on South Sudan, including the deployment of unified forces and the management of existing arms stockpiles. This development was reported by Charlton Doki from Juba.

Officials from Twic East and Duk counties in South Sudan’s Jonglei State have reported three fatalities and numerous injuries resulting from an intercommunal conflict earlier Monday.

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim to have seized control of Al-Da'ein, the capital of East Darfur State. The RSF spokesperson has pledged to safeguard civilians and ensure the security of the town.

Aid agencies in South Sudan are urgently seeking $1.8 billion to assist 6 million vulnerable individuals facing critical needs. The funds will be directed toward providing life-saving assistance to those affected by climate change, conflict, and disease outbreaks, as emphasized by a top United Nations aid official in South Sudan.

The transitional government of national unity in South Sudan has paid $7 million to the East African Community (EAC) to cover part of the country's arrears and annual contributions, as reported by Charlton Doki from Juba.

Warnings of possible genocide loom over South Sudan, but a wheelchair basketball tournament in Juba offers a temporary escape from the ongoing civil war. The event, led by Colorado coach Jess Markt, brings together disabled young men from various ethnic groups, fostering unity and positive thinking. Many participants, injured during South Sudan's struggle for independence, are playing sports for the first time. The International Committee of the Red Cross supports the initiative, which has seen growing participation in the capital. The program highlights the resilience and potential of disabled individuals in conflict-ridden areas.

South Sudanese have mixed opinions about their national basketball team, the Bright Stars, after their loss to Serbia led to their exit from the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Diplomatic representatives from the U.S. and U.K. are urging the South Sudanese government to investigate the 2017 death of journalist Christopher Allen, who was killed covering a confrontation between South Sudanese forces and SPLA-IO rebels. South Sudan has previously refused to investigate, and Allen's family's calls for an FBI investigation have been unsuccessful. U.S. ambassador Michael J. Adler emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, while South Sudan's information minister initially labeled Allen a 'white rebel.' South Sudanese journalist John Wulu spoke of the dangers faced by journalists in the region, and both the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and SPLA-IO denied responsibility for investigating Allen's death.

Diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom are urging South Sudan to investigate the 2017 death of journalist Christopher Allen. Allen, a British-American freelance journalist, was killed while covering a conflict between South Sudanese forces and SPLA-IO rebels. Despite repeated calls, South Sudan has refused to investigate. U.S. Ambassador Michael J. Adler emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. South Sudan's information minister and military spokespersons have deflected responsibility, while Allen's death has highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.

Diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom have urged South Sudan to investigate the death of journalist Christopher Allen, who was killed six years ago while covering a conflict. Despite previous calls for an investigation, South Sudan has not complied. The embassies issued a joint statement emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. The South Sudanese government and SPLA-IO have both deflected responsibility for the investigation. The case highlights the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones and the ongoing struggle for press freedom in South Sudan.

Diplomats from the U.S. and U.K. have called on South Sudan to release the findings of its investigation into the death of freelance journalist Christopher Allen, who was killed in 2017 while covering clashes between government forces and rebels. The U.S. ambassador to South Sudan emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. South Sudan's information minister initially labeled Allen as a 'white rebel' but later claimed he was caught in crossfire. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition have both deflected responsibility for the investigation. The call for a credible investigation is seen as crucial for the safety of journalists in the region.

The South Sudanese government has launched a $29 million cash transfer initiative in Juba, in collaboration with the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program. The project is designed to provide cash transfers and income-generating opportunities to 96,000 citizens of South Sudan.

South Sudan's defense minister, Kuol Manyang Juuk, reported that rebels attacked government positions in two oil-producing states, Unity State and Upper Nile state, signaling a breach in the recent truce. The rebels shelled Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, and the town of Nasir, prompting government forces to retaliate. The defense minister questioned the rebel leader Riek Machar's commitment to peace, suggesting he may not have control over his forces. The conflict in South Sudan, which began in December 2013, is largely along ethnic lines, with Machar's Nuer forces opposing President Salva Kiir's Dinka troops. The country is also facing a humanitarian crisis, with aid groups warning of the need for $600 million in supplies before the wet season. UNICEF announced the release of 300 children from an armed group, following an earlier release of 249 children, with hopes to release up to 3,000 children eventually.

South Sudan is preparing for the visit of Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Iain Greenshields, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The visit is scheduled for February 3-5 and is described as an ecumenical pilgrimage for peace. Religious leaders in South Sudan, including Mulla and Bishop Stephen Nyodho Ador Majwok, have expressed readiness to welcome the pope and called for peace and spiritual preparation among South Sudanese. The visit aims to promote peace, reconciliation, and love, with 2,000 internally displaced persons expected to meet with Francis in Juba. The visit was rescheduled from a previous date in July due to a health scare involving the pope.

More than 50,000 unified forces have graduated from various cantonment sites across South Sudan, with calls for their timely deployment to prevent intercommunal clashes and deadly cattle raids. The 2018 revitalized peace agreement mandates the training and graduation of 83,000 security personnel. Representatives from various factions urge political leaders to expedite the deployment to build confidence and focus on development. Concerns are raised about recent clashes and the suspension of peace talks by President Salva Kiir, who accuses rebel groups of destabilizing the country. Rebel groups deny these accusations, claiming the government lacks interest in peaceful resolution.

South Sudanese church leaders are intensifying preparations to welcome Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Iain Greenshields, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, early next month. Religious leaders are calling for peace among South Sudanese citizens in anticipation of the visit. Charlton Doki reports from Juba for South Sudan in Focus.

Education Cannot Wait's Multi-Year Resilience Programme is transforming education in South Sudan, particularly for at-risk girls, children with disabilities, and teachers. The programme, launched in January 2020 in partnership with the South Sudan government and various aid agencies, aims to build resilience within the education sector. With $30 million in seed funding, it targets children in 355 schools across six states. In its first year, it reached over 117,000 beneficiaries, including nearly 46,000 girls and over 1,600 children with disabilities. The initiative provides teacher training, distributes textbooks, and supports inclusive learning environments. It also addresses cultural barriers, long distances to schools, and climate-related disruptions. The MYRP has been crucial in preventing early and forced marriages by keeping girls in school, providing dignity kits, and ensuring access to education despite challenges like flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article discusses the impact of the Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) in South Sudan. The programme aims to improve education for children, particularly girls and those with disabilities, in a country with one of the lowest school enrolment rates due to years of conflict. The MYRP, launched in collaboration with the South Sudan government and various aid agencies, has provided teacher training, educational materials, and infrastructure support. It targets children in six states and has reached over 117,000 beneficiaries, including 46,010 girls and 1,647 children with disabilities. The programme also addresses cultural barriers, long distances to schools, and climate-change-induced floods that disrupt education. The MYRP has distributed textbooks, provided dignity kits for girls, and assistive devices for children with disabilities. Despite the progress, challenges remain, including a significant funding gap estimated at nearly $190 million by 2022.

The Trump administration acknowledges progress in South Sudan's peace talks but anticipates a lengthy process to end nearly five years of civil war and rebuild governance. U.S. Ambassador Thomas Hushek emphasizes the importance of upholding the ceasefire and resolving conflicts peacefully. A recent power-sharing pact between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar aims to form a transitional government. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on individuals and companies obstructing peace. The U.S. has allocated significant humanitarian aid and stresses the need for confidence-building measures to ensure lasting peace.

The U.S. ambassador to South Sudan, Thomas Hushek, in an interview with VOA's South Sudan in Focus, refuted claims by South Sudan's government that the U.S. is seeking regime change in the country. Instead, Hushek emphasized the U.S. desire for peace and an end to the ongoing violence. He mentioned that the U.S. is considering targeted sanctions as well as positive engagement with South Sudanese leaders and citizens to foster peace. The U.N. Security Council, led by the U.S., has renewed sanctions on South Sudan and is considering further measures against individuals obstructing peace. The conflict in South Sudan, which began in 2013, has resulted in significant displacement and humanitarian needs, with over 4 million people driven from their homes.

The U.S. ambassador to South Sudan, Thomas Hushek, denies accusations from the Kiir administration that the U.S. seeks regime change, emphasizing the goal of restoring peace after years of conflict. Hushek outlines the U.S. strategy, including targeted sanctions and engagement with South Sudanese leaders. South Sudan's information minister, Michael Makuei, reiterates the government's belief in a U.S. regime change agenda. The U.N. Security Council has extended sanctions on South Sudan and is considering further measures. The conflict, originating in 2013, has displaced millions and created a significant humanitarian crisis.

In Juba, South Sudan, a wheelchair basketball tournament offers respite from the country's civil war tensions. Coach Jess Markt from Colorado has trained disabled South Sudanese men from various ethnic groups, fostering unity and positive spirit among players. The event, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the South Sudan Wheelchair Basketball Association, marks a significant involvement in sports for many participants. The sport has grown in popularity, with player-coach Peter Bol Wal noting an increase in players and a focus on camaraderie over tribal differences.

Warnings of potential genocide loom over South Sudan, but a wheelchair basketball tournament in Juba offers a temporary escape from the ongoing civil war. The event, led by Colorado coach Jess Markt, brings together disabled young men from various ethnic groups, fostering unity and positive thinking. Many players, injured during South Sudan's struggle for independence, experience sports for the first time. The International Committee of the Red Cross supports the initiative, which has significantly grown since 2011. Markt's coaching has left a lasting impact, highlighting the transformative power of sports for individuals facing significant challenges.

In Juba, South Sudan, a wheelchair basketball tournament offers a respite from the country's civil war. The event, which is the result of a two-week training session by Colorado coach Jess Markt, brings together disabled young men from various ethnic groups. Despite their challenging living conditions, participants express joy and camaraderie on the court. The sport has grown in popularity, with the number of players in Juba increasing since 2011. The International Committee of the Red Cross supports the initiative, which also aims to foster unity among players beyond tribal differences.

Warnings of potential genocide loom over South Sudan, but a wheelchair basketball tournament in Juba offers a temporary escape from the ongoing civil war. Organized by coach Jess Markt and supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the event brings together disabled young men from various ethnic groups, fostering unity and positive thinking. Participants, many of whom were injured in the struggle for independence, find joy and camaraderie on the court. The initiative highlights the transformative power of sports in conflict zones, with players like James Amoudit Makuei and Peter Bol Wal expressing newfound hope and aspirations.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order imposing a temporary ban on most refugees and suspending visas for citizens of several Middle Eastern and African countries, including Sudan. Sudanese Americans argue that the ban would harm the most vulnerable, including those fleeing persecution. Rudwan Dawod, a Sudanese American, and Mohammad Badawi, a Sudanese lawyer, express concerns about the ban's effectiveness and fairness. Dawod highlights the personal impact on his family, while Badawi calls for a more strategic approach to national security.

Rebels in South Sudan, led by the David Yau Yau militia, have launched attacks on several villages in the oil-rich state of Jonglei, threatening government plans to develop a major oilfield with the assistance of France's Total and other foreign companies. The violence comes as South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, struggles to maintain control over its territories. The conflict has been exacerbated by tribal clashes and a controversial disarmament campaign that has been accused of abuses. The United Nations reported nearly 900 deaths from a previous attack by the Lou Nuer tribe on the Murle, who are now joining the Yau Yau rebellion. South Sudan alleges that Sudan is supporting the militia, a claim that Sudan denies.