South Sudan: Pressure Mounts for a Negotiated Agreement

Although the South Sudanese capital of Juba remained in government hands Dec. 23, rebel fighters from the country's Nuer tribe control the cities of Bor and Bentiu — in Jonglei and Unity states respectively — triggering the evacuation of foreigners, oil workers and humanitarian officials. Mediation talks between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and representatives of rebel leader and former Vice President Riek Machar are currently ongoing. The present violence stems from a series of clashes in Juba on Dec. 15, which saw Kiir accuse Machar of trying to seize power and depose Kiir by force. Uganda and other East African countries have made diplomatic efforts to restore stability to South Sudan, likely intending to assist with the formation of a coalition government in Juba in order to prevent a political dispute from turning into civil war.