'Sexual violence has become daily life of some children in these war-torn areas,' it say. Aftermath of the clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo 

South Sudan’s government has sought to downplay the impact of recent violence and rising tensions between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.

The clashes come as the parties to the 2018 peace agreement prepare to enter a new extended transitional period on 22 February 2025, pushing general elections to December 2026.

The 2018 peace deal, signed by President Salva Kiir and Dr. Machar, remains fragile, with significant challenges persisting. Key issues include the unification of armed groups into a national army, the drafting of a permanent constitution, and the implementation of institutional reforms before elections.

Michael Makuei, South Sudan’s Minister of Information and government spokesman, described the recent violence in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal as “normal skirmishes” typical of any conflict zone.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Makuei insisted that the clashes would not derail the government’s commitment to the peace process or the extended transitional period.

“These events have occurred, but they are just skirmishes that happen everywhere. You cannot conclude that the parties are not genuine. The parties are fully committed to implementing the agreement, and these incidents will not affect the new extension,” Makuei said.

He added that the government would ensure the full implementation of all outstanding provisions of the peace agreement during the extended transitional period.

However, the SPLM-IO has expressed alarm over recent attacks on its bases in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal.

Puok Both Baluang, the SPLM-IO Director of Information and Public Relations, warned that the violence threatens to undermine progress made under the 2018 peace agreement, particularly in security arrangements.

“These attacks jeopardize the implementation of the peace agreement, especially the security arrangements,” Baluang said. “We call on the SSPDF to show genuine political will in fully implementing the security arrangements and the Revitalized Agreement, so that we can move forward, addressing outstanding issues and paving the way for peaceful, democratic, transparent, and inclusive elections at the end of the transitional period.”

The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has also raised concerns.

Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson of CTSAMVM, warned on Tuesday that the intensified fighting along the borders of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal poses a serious threat to the integrity of the ceasefire agreement. Bitew called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and work toward restoring stability. Radio Tamazuj

Odhiambo is alleged to have disappeared on January 18 after being arrested by Kenya Wildlife Service officers at Lake Nakuru National Park. 

A Nakuru Court has certified as urgent an application by a Human Rights group for a public inquest into the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo.

Odhiambo is alleged to have disappeared on January 18 after being arrested by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers at Lake Nakuru National Park.

Nakuru Principal Magistrate Vincent Okello set the hearing of the application for Wednesday next week.

“Note that service upon the 1st respondent should be brought to the Attention of the prosecuting counsel court no 10 in order to avoid delay in response,” he stated.

The petition was filed by human rights group Vocal Africa and Odhiambo’s wife Aoko Okello naming the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Inspector General of Police(IG) as respondents.

The applicantion comes after the High Court dismissed a case against KWS officers citng a lack of evidence.

Justice Julius Nangea declined to issue further orders in the case.

“As the DCI and the officer in charge of Nakuru National Park have denied having the subject in their custody and there being no evidence, no further direction will be issued in relation to the application,” said Justice Nangea.

Following the ruling, Odhiambo’s family broke down outside the courtroom.

Odhiambo’s mother and wife were overcome with emotion, expressing their dissatisfaction with the court’s decision and calling for justice for their loved one.

The KWS officers and the Assistant Director of Lake Nakuru National Park had faced a tough time in court on January 29 finding it hard to explain the whereabouts of the missing man.

The officers acknowledged arresting a man whom they claim was engaged in illegal fishing in the sewage area of Lake Nakuru National Park but said they had not recorded his name before he allegedly escaped.

In an affidavit presented before the court, the officers stated that the arrested man had requested to relieve himself while in custody and managed to flee.

Odhiambo was reported missing on Saturday, January 18, with residents alleging that he was last seen being manhandled and taken away by KWS officers.  By Sharon Resian, Capital News