Please read South Sudan: Ceasefire? What Ceasefire? by Ruth Kramer, at Mission Network News.
"So much for the ceasefire in South Sudan. Fighting broke out in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, officials say. These are the first major clashes since the government and rebels signed a ceasefire agreement last month. Both sides have accused each other of starting the violence in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile state.
South Sudan has been in turmoil since Dec. 15, when a dispute within the army sparked fierce fighting in the capital city, Juba..."
"...The United Nations estimates that nearly two thirds of the country’s population–up to 7 million people–were at risk of some level of food insecurity. About half are facing emergency or acute levels. About 900,000 people have fled their homes since December.
"Since the conflict erupted, several churches have been attacked and looted, and pastors harassed. The most affected areas are the north-eastern states of Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile. Bor, the headquarters of Jonglei State, was totally destroyed, with houses, food stores, shops, banks, and churches burnt down and looted, according to the Episcopal Church of Sudan.
"David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, explains: “Because of the danger, because of the upheaval, we’ve had to really watch our operations. It’s been difficult for people to get there, and it’s really slowed it down.”
"Church leaders have called for peace and reconciliation and have emphasized the roots of the crisis as political. Curry says, “We try to make sure that the communities that represent Jesus, schools/churches, are centerpieces in their communities for healing and for help.'”
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