South Sudan
The United States has implemented an “ordered departure” of its staff from South Sudan, following four days of heavy fighting between government forces and those loyal to vice president Riek Machar, in the capital Juba.
US evacuates non-emergency staff from South Sudan as deadly fighting intensifies https://t.co/t5sOwD8D9Q
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 11, 2016
According to the State Department spokes person, the departure is not tantamount to evacuation.
“We are moving out on all fronts to reduce the number of staff by implementing an ordered departure from outpost. That is our focus right now an ordered departure we are adjusting or simply adjusting our footprint in response to the deterioration in the security situation, said John Kirby.
The US also welcomed the ceasefire separately declared by president Salva Kiir and vice president Riek Machar on Monday, and urged that the peace deal signed in August 2015 be fully implemented.
US urges immediate end to deadly #SouthSudan clashes https://t.co/6×9VPoNOjI pic.twitter.com/tCBgOkvwVb
— Capital FM Kenya (@CapitalFMKenya) July 12, 2016
According to reports, the current fighting between the warring parties that has left more than 270 people dead, was triggered by a deadly altercation at a checkpoint on Thursday night.
Reuters
01:19
Sudan: over 25 million people facing humanitarian crisis, says UNHCR
01:40
UN assembly adopts resolution backing ongoing efforts to eliminate 'blood diamonds' trade
01:55
Two armed groups in the DR Congo pledge to better protect civilians
01:34
South Sudan: UNMISS and partners commission centre to assist survivors of conflict
Go to video
Conflict-hit Sudan may become world’s worst hunger crisis - UN warns
01:15
South Sudan shutters all schools as it prepares for an extreme heat wave