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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.